Where To Give Back This Holiday Season

With the hectic nature of the holidays — from preparing meals to herding relatives — it's easy to forget that . 

If you're looking to lend a hand to your neighbors who can't afford holiday meals, here are a few of the county organizations accepting food donations:

Countywide

 — 9311 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg, Md., 301-424-1130
Manna distributes food all around Montgomery County and collects donations at its Gaithersburg warehouse. They accept donations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can find a wish list of food items on Manna’s website. 

Kensington

— 10401 Armory Ave., 301-933-7933
St. Paul’s is collecting nonperishable food as part of its .

Bethesda

— 7728 Woodmont Ave., 301-907-9244
Bethesda Cares provides meals to people in need using donated food. The organization is especially in need of fresh fruits and vegetables in order to serve healthy meals. You can donate items Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m.

Wheaton

Montgomery County Family Center — 12247 Georgia Ave., 301-942-1790
The Family Center is a Catholic charity that provides assistance to families in need. The organization is looking for canned food items, and you can donate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Silver Spring

Shepherd’s Table — 8210A Colonial Lane, 301-585-4718
Shepherd’s Table is a nonprofit organization committed to helping the homeless by providing meals, clothing and services. The organization accepts a wide variety of foods, and you can find a wish list on its website. Shepherd's table accepts donations Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

A Wider Circle — 9159-C Brookville Road, 301-608-3508
A Wider Circle is a charitable organization working to get families out of poverty. The charity accepts many types of donations, including food.