Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this all taking place?

Valley Christian Church in Dublin, California.  For more information, click here to find out all about the Big Day.

How many baskets will be created?

Our goal this year is to create 200 baskets for needy families, and 200 bags for the homeless.

How can I help?

See how you can contribute here, and then sign up here!

Can I donate items that don't appear on the Items Needed list?

No. Please bring only items that appear on the list. Our goal is to create 400 identical Thanksgiving baskets and care packages containing high quality foods that will provide a beautiful, Thanksgiving meal for a family in need.

I'm not available on Brigade Day, but I'd still like to donate food.

If you aren't available on Brigade Day, we ask that you find a friend that would be willing to drop it off for you.

Can children participate in the Brigade?

Absolutely! This is a family event. We love seeing all the babes in slings, toddlers running around, elementary and high school students all working together with their families to create Thanksgiving baskets. This is a great opportunity to teach children the importance of service.

If my whole family is participating, how should I sign everyone up?

Families can sign up together if they will be delivering together. On the Name field of the Volunteer form, simply put, e.g. "Jane, John and Baby Jones."

I would like my group to participate. How do we sign up?

1. Each member of your group must sign up on the Volunteer page of the website.

2. Your group leader should contact Brigade Group Coordinator Hannah Farmos at hfarmos@gmail.com to discuss your groups' food donation. Groups must sponsor one particular food item category (e.g. bring all 200 packages of rolls) or a portion thereof.

Is my gift tax deductible?

No. This is a grassroots effort - community supporting community. We are not set up as a non-profit organization and thus cannot provide a tax id or issue receipts.

Remind me, WHY are we doing this?

This Thanksgiving season, let’s join forces and deliver a message of hope. In a country with so much abundance, there is no reason any family should be without a meal on Thanksgiving. You and I know the meal will last only minutes, but the true gift of sharing is a message of hope that will last a lifetime.

Who is coordinating the Brigade?

Katherine Havener and Mauricio “Reese” Ramos, a husband and wife team. They live in Mountain House with their two young daughters. Katherine is a former attorney now stay at home mom that co-leads the Tri-Valley Chapter of the Holistic Moms Network. Reese works for a company in Livermore as a mediator helping people navigate beyond their conflict.