Nearly 5,000 Pounds of Food Collected at “Sleigh Hunger: Christmas in July” Drive-Thru Food Drive

On Thursday, July 24, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg and Grove Christian Outreach Center joined forces once again for the annual “Sleigh Hunger: Christmas in July” drive-thru food drive—collecting over 4,600 pounds of food to help stock the shelves of The Gathering Place, Grove’s free grocery market serving vulnerable families in the greater Williamsburg community.

The event, held at the Habitat ReStore in Williamsburg, was fueled by the support of generous donors and an incredible team of volunteers.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our community and to our friends at Habitat ReStore for partnering with us,” said Katie Patrick, Executive Director of Grove Christian Outreach Center. “Thanks to your generosity, we’re able to meet a critical need at The Gathering Place and bring hope to families across our region—not just during the holidays, but every day.”

For Habitat for Humanity, Sleigh Hunger represents the kind of collaborative effort that strengthens the entire community.

“Food security and housing go hand in hand,” said Tiffany King, ReStore Operations Director. “We’re honored to help support families through events like Sleigh Hunger.”

“It was incredible to see so many people, from longtime volunteers to first-time donors, come together with one goal: to help our neighbors,” said Holly Hockaday, Manager of the Habitat ReStore in Williamsburg. “That spirit of generosity is what makes events like this so impactful.”

Organizers called the event a powerful reminder that while holiday giving is important, the need for food assistance is year-round.

“When organizations and individuals unite, meaningful change is possible,” Patrick said.