Thanksgiving Food Drive FAQS

• What is on the Family Thanksgiving Food Drive box shopping list and where can I find it?
  You can find the shopping list here.
  The grocery items make a complete shelf-stable meal for a family. Just make sure you are checking expiration dates.

• What’s the difference between the plain, brown boxes and printed ones, if my Site has them?
  Great question!
  The plain, brown boxes are for our Pantry partners. We work with local food pantries across the region to provide items the Pantry needs to serve all those in the community.
  The printed boxes are for Families. The items for this box makes up a complete meal for 6 to 10 people. Your giving will impact a family directly within our community.

• What is on the Pantry box list and where can I find it?
  It’s taped to your box! The list varies depending on each food pantry's needs so your list is unique, just like you!

• Could I take both a Pantry and Family box, and is there a limit?
  We love your heart to serve! Yes! You can take one of each, or as many as you want. There is no limit. We just ask that whatever you take to fill, you bring back. Real people and families experiencing food insecurity are relying on your generosity this holiday season.

• How much does it cost to fill a Family Thanksgiving Food Drive box?
  Depending on your grocery, the average cost we estimate to fill a printed Thanksgiving Food Drive Family box is $50-60.

  • How much does it cost to fill a Pantry Thanksgiving Food Drive box?
    Depending on your grocery, the average cost we estimate to fill a plain, brown Thanksgiving Food Drive box is on average $35.

• Why aren’t we collecting frozen turkeys or real potatoes?
  Many Family box recipients do not have working ovens or freezers, making frozen turkeys more of a burden than a blessing. In addition, we wanted to make sure all the items were shelf-stable, in case food was eaten much later. Everything can be stored at room temperature which honors the families.

• Why are we purchasing Kroger and Walmart Gift cards for Family boxes?
  The Partner organizations we donate boxes to are asking that we include a Kroger or Walmart gift card so people can pick a protein that works best for their family and any sensitivities family members might have. In addition, they can use any gift card balance for other necessities the family needs.

• Can I just put my Kroger or Walmart gift card in the box?
  This year, we are asking that you use the double-sided tape to stick the entire gift card to the box flap. This will help our volunteers with the check-in process when you drop your box off. It will also help our Partners as they distribute the boxes to their communities, ensuring consistency across all the boxes, blessing all those in need equally.

• I see a brownie mix on the list, but what if people don't have eggs?
  How thoughtful of you! They likely will, but grab a muffin mix package instead! It only requires water.

• Can I add extra items to the printed Family box? I really want to!
  No, please do not add anything extra to the Family box.
  We love your generosity though! If you want to purchase extra items, you can. We ask that you pack your Family box as it is listed with all items on the shopping list. Any extra items you buy can be dropped off at the same time. Please bring those in a separate bag (and not in your Family box).

• Can I include a card to let the Family know we are praying for them?
  Instead of a card, we have a place for you and your family to write a note on the box panel.

• My Site has a box drop off in the “Parking Lot Drive-thru”. Should I get out of my car to help unload my box?
  There is no need to get out of your car if your Site has a “Drive-Thru Box Drop Off” when you return your box. Just stay in your vehicle and make sure your doors or hatchback are unlocked. Our volunteers will take care of the rest.
  If you want to help us collect boxes, or serve in other TFD volunteer roles at our Sites, you can see all the opportunities here.

• How can my business get involved?
  If you are a business/organization and want to fill 10 or more boxes, please email go@crossroads.net for more information about how to get involved.

• I had something unexpected come up. Can I bring the box back early or late?
  No. If you are unable to return your box during a drop off time due to unexpected circumstances, please make arrangements with a friend, neighbor, or family member to return your box for you at the listed drop off time. Given the significant logistics and planning around Thanksgiving Food Drive, bringing the box back at the listed day and time will really honor all of our volunteers and Partners across the region.

• I know someone who needs help with a meal at Thanksgiving. What can I do?
  You are the church! If you know someone in need, follow the steps below to care for your neighbor. You can do it!

  • Start by having a conversation, don’t assume they need a box. Afterall, Thanksgiving Food Drive is more than a box.
  • If groceries are needed, great, hit up the grocery store. You could use our Thanksgiving Food Drive shopping list, or make a personalized grocery list based on the items that you know they like. If the need is a warm home cooked meal, extra time, on their hands, and/or community this can all be solved by inviting them over to your Thanksgiving dinner. (Jesus tip: you don’t have to know someone to invite them to your table “I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Matthew 25:35)
  • Whatever you do, be sure to encourage them. Affirm the significance of their relationship to you. Affirm what is Godly that you see in them. And affirm them in the hope of Jesus Christ.

• I’m going to be out of town during the box drop off weekend but I still want to get involved. Can I donate money towards Thanksgiving Food Drive?
  No…and yes. No, you cannot directly donate to Thanksgiving Food Drive but you can make a donation. Your generous gift will benefit all of Crossroads ReachOut initiatives, of which Thanksgiving Food Drive is one. In your Site’s atrium or gathering space, you will see Donation drop box stations. Please use one of the envelopes at the station. You can safely and securely leave your donation in the box.

• I accidentally forgot to bring my Family/Pantry box back during my Site’s Box Drop Off time. What should I do?
  We understand life happens. Call the Site where you got your box from ASAP. The local ReachOut Site Coordinator will be able to help you.
  Given the significant logistics and planning around Thanksgiving Food Drive, we encourage you to set a reminder to bring the box back at the listed day and time. This will really honor all of our volunteers and Partners across the region.

• I see a QR Code on my shopping list. What is that all about? Do I need to scan it?
  Yes, please! This will allow us to send you periodic communication and updates about your box from our Community Pastors, to include reminders. Don’t worry, we won’t bother you.