Our holiday sandwich drive tradition was seeded long before I ever had children of my own. Growing up, I always knew we had less than some of my classmates—but I never felt without. My mom always found a way. There were years we relied on government assistance and help from my brothers. I received free lunch at school, but I never felt embarrassed or teased. Those small supports were simply part of life, and they planted in me a deep sense of gratitude from a young age.
One memory has stayed with me all these years. In seventh grade, my history teacher was holding a food drive for families in need. I brought in some canned food I found because the cause was worthwhile. On Thanksgiving Eve, I heard a knock at the door. There was my teacher, standing there with a box for our family. In that moment, my cheeks burned with embarrassment because it had not occurred to me to I was one of those families in need. But then the door closed, and I looked inside the box. Gratitude started to build—he cared enough to organize, deliver, and spend his time helping others. That small act left a lasting impression: even little gestures can make a big impact.
How Our Holiday Sandwich Drive Began
That feeling inspired the start of our holiday sandwich drive. I wanted to create a way for my kids to experience the joy and importance of helping others—especially since many community service opportunities for kids don’t start until age 12. I wanted them to feel the impact of their actions now. It began as a simple family activity and quickly attracted other families in our community who wanted the same experience. It’s one of those traditions that creates core memories: families spending time together doing something meaningful, while neighbors feel the love of their community.
In our first year, we made 183 sandwiches. Last year, with over 25 families participating, we delivered 968 sandwiches—nearly a thousand meals and moments of connection. Having the drive now under Kidsgiving Press feels full circle. The original drive was called KidsGiving and was supported by HOPS, a space we created to help families give back together. Even after HOPS closed in 2022, the spirit of the mission continues through Kidsgiving Press.
Why Families Love Joining Our Holiday Sandwich Drive
What makes this tradition truly special is the feedback we hear from families. Kids feel proud to help, empowered by knowing that their small hands can do big things. Families organize together, sometimes inviting friends to join, creating shared experiences filled with joy and purpose. Parents tell me they’re grateful we organize it—it makes giving back manageable and meaningful. One of our original families, whose youngest is now five, has raised the bar this year: he personally wrote letters to his teachers and principal encouraging them to join, aiming to surpass 1,000 sandwiches this year.
Even toddlers can participate. My daughter joined at just 18 months, learning that helping others is a part of family life. In my son’s second grade class, I led a parent lesson reading Just Help by Sonia Sotomayor. My son proudly shared with his classmates that every year, we make sandwiches to feed the hungry. That moment touched me deeply, knowing he understood the importance of giving back and felt proud to make a difference.
For families interested in joining, it’s easy to get started and participate with us. In Queens, just sign up and make as few as 10 sandwiches—one loaf of bread. Families outside of Queens can organize locally: find a church or community organization, gather a few friends or neighbors, and start small. It’s manageable, and it can grow over time.
Our hope is that you feel inspired to start your own tradition of kindness—whether it’s a sandwich drive, a holiday project, or another way to help those in need. Small acts of generosity can create lasting impact, teach children empathy, and strengthen communities. And if you start today, who knows—maybe six years from now, your small idea will have grown into something incredible too.
Sign up to participate in this year’s holiday sandwich drive and help us spread kindness one sandwich at a time.
