Frequently Asked Questions

You can find the shopping list here.

The grocery items make a complete shelf-stable meal for a family. Just give those expiration dates a quick check before buying.

Depending on where you shop and the brands you buy, the average cost we estimate to fill a Thanksgiving Food Drive box is approximately $60.

Many families receiving a box may not have access to a working oven or freezer, which can make a frozen turkey more of a challenge than a gift. By choosing shelf-stable items, everything can be safely stored at room temperature and enjoyed when the family is ready. It’s a simple way we can serve with dignity; by offering food that works for each family, not creating another burden.

Our Partners asked us to include a Kroger or Walmart gift card so families can choose the protein that works best for their table, traditions, and dietary needs. Any remaining balance can also be used toward other essentials their family may need. It’s a simple way to offer more choice, flexibility, and dignity.

This year, we are asking again that you please place your gift card in the clear sleeve on the inside flap of your TFD box. This small step makes a big difference! It helps our volunteers quickly check in your box and helps our Partners distribute each one with consistency—so every family receives the same thoughtful blessing.

So thoughtful of you! They likely will, but we recommend grabbing a muffin mix that only requires water instead. It keeps things simple and easy for every family to enjoy!

We love your generous heart!

No, please do not add anything extra to the TFD box. To make sure every family receives the same thoughtful blessing, please pack your TFD box with only the items and quantities listed on the shopping list.

If you want to purchase extra items, you can. Just place any additional items in a separate bag and bring them with you when you drop off your TFD box. We’ll make sure those extras can bless families, too.

This year, we’re trying something new! Rather than a card, we’re inviting you and your family to make the TFD box itself part of the blessing. Add pictures, drawings, stickers, Scripture, or encouraging notes for the family who will receive it. Have fun, get creative, and fill your box with a little extra love!

Starting October 24 and through November 8, TFD boxes will be available before and after weekend services at your Site.

Grab a box. Fill it with love. Bring it back and help make Thanksgiving a little fuller for families across our communities.

Great question! Sites will have different ways to accommodate your request. Most will have empty TFD boxes available for pick up inside their atriums. Check out the Site accommodations below:

• Columbus - Send us an email at go@crossroads.net or through our website, and we’ll get you connected!
• Dayton - Visit during open hours Monday-Saturday between 10am-8pm, and Sunday between 12-5pm and get your box near the Mall entrance
• East Side - Visit during open hours Monday-Thursday between 8am-8pm and pick up your box in the atrium
• Florence - Send us an email at go@crossroads.net or through our website, and we’ll get you connected!
• Lexington - Send us an email at go@crossroads.net or through our website, and we’ll get you connected!
• Mason - Visit during open hours Monday-Thursday between 7am-9pm and pick up your box in the Garage Hallway
• Oakley - Visit during open hours Monday-Thursday between 7am-8pm and pick up your box at the Welcome Center in the atrium
• West Side - Send us an email at go@crossroads.net or through our website, and we’ll get you connected!

TFD Box Collection Weekend is November 14–15! Each Site has a collection day, time, and drop-off location designed to work best for its community.

Be sure to check your Site’s TFD Box Collection Plan here so you know exactly when and where to bring your filled box back.

Fill it. Bring it back. We’ll take it from there!

No, there is no need to get out. If your Site offers Drive-Thru Box Drop-Off, stay cozy in your car and make sure your doors or hatchback are unlocked. Our volunteers will take it from there! Dropping off your TFD box really is as easy as driving through!

However, if you want to be on the other side of the drive-thru, we’d love to serve with you! Help collect boxes, cheer on our community, or jump into another TFD volunteer role. Find your spot at crossroads.net/tfd.

No. If something unexpected comes up and you can’t make your scheduled drop-off time, please ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to return your box for you.

There are a lot of moving pieces behind the scenes to get thousands of boxes from our Sites to our Partners and into the hands of families. Returning your box on the listed day and time helps everything run smoothly, and is a simple way to honor the volunteers and Partners making it all happen all across our region.

Life happens—we get it! If you missed your Site’s TFD Box Drop-Off, email go@crossroads.net or send us a message through crossroads.net. Your local ReachOut Director will help you figure out next steps.

There are a lot of moving pieces behind the scenes to get thousands of boxes from our Sites to our Partners and into the hands of families. Setting a reminder and returning your box during the listed drop-off time helps everything run smoothly. It is a simple way to honor the volunteers and Partners making it all possible.

Great question! Two boxes. Two ways to make an impact.

The rectangular brown box is our Pantry Box. These groceries help stock the shelves of Partner food pantries so they can continue serving their communities. New this year, Pantry Boxes also support our Trips Partner, Appalachia ReachOut (ARO), serving communities across Appalachia in Martin and Perry Counties, Kentucky, and Scioto County, Ohio. Fill this box and you’re helping feed a community.

You can learn more about our Trips Partner, ARO, here.

The square brown box is our classic TFD Family Box. It will be filled with Thanksgiving favorites that come together to provide a complete meal for 6–10 people. Our local Partners place these boxes directly into the hands of families in their communities. Fill this box and you’re helping feed a family.

Different boxes. Different reach. Same big-hearted generosity.

It’s right on your box! Look for the shopping list taped to the outside.

Each list is created around what that Partner food pantry needs most, so Pantry Box lists may look a little different. Follow the list on your box and know every item you add is helping stock shelves with food that’s truly needed.

Depending on where you shop and the brands you buy, the average cost we estimate to fill a Pantry box is approximately $40.

We love your heart to serve! Yes and yes! Take a Pantry Box, a TFD Family Box, or one (or more!) of each. There’s no limit.

We just ask that every box you take comes back filled. Each one represents real food that our Partners are counting on to help care for people and families experiencing food insecurity this holiday season.

Take what you can fill. Fill what you take. Bring it back. Make an impact.

Welcome to the Gobble Squad!

Check out all the TFD volunteer opportunities here. Choose your Site, find a shift that works for you, and pick how you’d like to serve. From welcoming people as they drop off boxes to helping get those boxes into the hands of our Partners, there’s a spot for you!

Sign up early because spots fill fast! Better yet, grab a friend and serve together.

Once you’ve signed up, your local ReachOut Site Director will follow up with you with all the details you’ll need.

Still have questions? Connect with us at go@crossroads.net. We’re here to help!

We’re super-excited to serve alongside you! Let’s bring the gravy!

If your business or organization would like to fill 10 or more TFD boxes, we’d love to help you get involved! Email go@crossroads.net for more information. We can make a bigger impact together!

No, not directly—but your generosity can still make a difference!

While you can’t designate a financial gift specifically to Thanksgiving Food Drive, you can make a donation, which helps fuel TFD and the many ways ReachOut serves our communities throughout the year.

Look for a donation drop box in your Site’s atrium or gathering space. Simply use one of the envelopes provided and securely place your gift in the box.

Thank you for finding another way to say yes to helping our communities!

You are the Church, and this is a beautiful opportunity go to be it.

Start with a conversation. Ask what would be most helpful rather than assuming. Because sometimes the need is groceries. Sometimes it’s a warm meal. And sometimes it’s simply having a place to belong.

If groceries would help, head to the store! Use our Thanksgiving Food Drive shopping list or choose foods you know they’ll enjoy. If what they really need is a warm meal, some company, or a seat at the table, consider making room at yours.

Jesus reminds us, “I was a stranger and you invited me in.” —Matthew 25:35

And whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to encourage them. Remind them that they matter. Tell them what you see in them. Offer the hope and love of Jesus.

A Thanksgiving box can be a blessing. But relationships can go even further.