Dear Van Derveer Families,
Thanksgiving is a time for sharing and caring about others. For forty-one years the Van Derveer Elementary School students have collected and donated food to families in our community in an effort to make their Thanksgiving feasts more bountiful. Our donations will be supporting the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and local organizations that distribute donations to families here in Somerville.
This year our food drive theme is: Gobble, Gobble, Give!
We are all unique in how we can participate. We will be collecting food during the month of November, starting on November 2, 2026 and ending on November 30, 2026.
Let’s lend a helping hand to make this year’s annual food drive a success! You may send in canned food, non-perishable packaged food, household items, or personal care products. Your child will bring the donations to school and then place the items in their grade level boxes located in the main lobby. Below is a list of items that are suggested donations.
Thank you for your generosity and have a happy Thanksgiving.
Ms. Lindsay Frevert Mrs. Kelly Streko
Principal Assistant Principal
Donation Items Needed
Ready-To-Eat Meals that are non-perishable, canned meats, canned vegetables, fruit juice (plastic bottles, juice boxes), cereal, tuna (cans & ready-made pouches), microwave oatmeal, soups, peanut butter & jelly, rice (regular, instant & mixes), pancake mix “complete” & syrup, canned fruit, cranberry sauce, turkey or chicken gravy, instant mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, canned pastas (Ravioli, Beefaroni, Spaghettios, etc.), spaghetti sauce, dry spaghetti and pasta, boxed shelf stable milk (Parmalat, Borden, Naturel, etc), macaroni & cheese microwave cups), Ramen Noodles (microwave cups), beans (cans or dry), snack items (fruit cups, granola bars, Gold Fish snacks, etc.
***EXPIRED FOODS AND OPEN PACKAGES CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.***
Personal Care Items
toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, baby diapers and wipes, laundry soap, dish soap, household cleaners, paper towels, toilet paper
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS!