❄️ Donate Food for Mainspring’s Holiday Food Boxes

Helping Families Enjoy a Warm, Dignified Holiday Meal

As the holiday season approaches, Mainspring Community Food & Clothing Pantry is preparing Holiday Food Boxes for families across Portland. These boxes provide the comfort of a shared meal, a sense of tradition, and the joy that comes from knowing their community cares.

This year, we are asking our supporters to join us in filling these boxes with the foods that make the holidays special — and to help us ensure every family receives a complete main course.

Donate Now to Support Holiday Food Boxes

📅 Holiday Food Box Donation Drop-Off Days

Please bring all donations during the following dedicated collection times prior to building and distribution:

December 1st – December 4th

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

December 8th – December 11th

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

These donation days allow us enough time to sort, organize, and build each Holiday Food Box before distribution. Thank you for helping us make sure each family receives a complete and beautiful holiday meal.

🎁 $20 Gift Cards Needed for Main Courses

One of our biggest needs this season is $20 gift cards (Safeway, WinCo, Fred Meyer, Walmart, etc.). These allow families to choose their own main holiday entrée, whether that’s turkey, ham, a plant-based option, or culturally preferred foods.

Gift cards give families dignity and flexibility, ensuring they can shop for what fits their household best.

🥫 Additional Food Needed for Holiday Boxes

Along with gift cards, we are assembling boxes filled with staples that help families prepare a warm and comforting holiday meal. Donations of the following items are especially appreciated:

Holiday Sides & Meal Essentials

  • Stuffing mix
  • Mashed potatoes (boxed or fresh)
  • Gravy packets or canned gravy
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Canned vegetables (corn, green beans, peas)
  • Green bean casserole ingredients
  • Broth & stock (chicken, vegetable, or beef)

Baking & Treat Items

  • Cake mixes
  • Cookie mixes
  • Brownie mixes
  • Pie fillings
  • Shelf-stable whipped topping
  • Baking items (sugar, flour, spices)

Family Staples

  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Pasta & sauce
  • Shelf-stable milk
  • Cereal & oatmeal
  • Peanut butter & jelly

❤️ Why Your Donation Matters

Mainspring has seen a significant increase in families seeking food assistance this year. Holiday Food Boxes give our neighbors a chance to gather around the table with dignity, tradition, and joy.

With your support, we can make sure no family goes without a holiday meal.