Members and Supporters,

In December, the Chamber held the Holiday Food Drive to collect food and funds to support LGBTQ+ Seniors during the holidays. This is the second year for the Chamber Holiday Food Drive, and we are so appreciative of our sponsors and the many individuals who helped us make a huge difference this year! How fitting that we held the Chamber Holiday Food Drive on Houston's warmest December day in recorded history?!?!? So HTX!
It was another record-breaking year as the 2021 Chamber Holiday Food Drive was the largest ever food drive in the Montrose Center's history. We exceeded the numbers from last year and have helped even more LGBTQ+ Seniors and Montrose Center clients. 

During the Food Drive, one of the key volunteers and seniors who organizes the food pantry at the Law Harrington Senior Living Center had tears in his eyes as he was touched by the generous donations of food and understanding the impact and those that would be receiving the benefits of holiday meals and even beyond. This is what community coming TOGETHER looks like!

Because of the generosity of so many companies and individuals, we made a HUGE difference again this year for our LGBTQ+ Seniors and inaugural Chamber Member, the Montrose Center. With the impact of the Chamber Holiday Food Drive, the Montrose Center can center their attention on clients in need and not on spending needed budget dollars to purchase food.
Making a Difference!
Chamber Holiday Food Drive Impact
Because of the generosity of donors and sponsors, the 2021 Chamber Holiday Food Drive...

  • Was the largest food drive to-date for the Montrose Center (the largest prior to this year was the 2020 Chamber Holiday Food Drive!)
  • Increased the number of LGBTQ+ Senior holiday boxes from 150 to 250
  • Provided 3,750 shelf-stable meals distributed from food drive donations during the holidays
  • Expanded capacities at the Montrose Center food pantries
  • Filled up the Montrose Center's Outreach & COVID Pantries
  • Stocked the brand new pantry at the Law Harrington Senior Living Center
  • Ensured food availability beyond the holiday season to those in the LGBTQ+ community who are food insecure
  • Raised $8,000 for the Montrose Center to support the stocking of the pantries in 2022

Plus, the 2021 Chamber Holiday Food Drive has provided enough items for the Montrose Center to innovate and develop a free store concept that is anticipated to open in the very near future and will increase outreach and be even more accessible to those who are food insecure. Stay tuned! 

Not to mention that a generous donation from the Chamber Holiday Food Drive Title Sponsor, ARCA Continental Coca Cola Southwest Beverages, means they will be donating more Coca-Cola products throughout 2022 to keep the pantries stocked.

Because of the generous support from food drive donors, not only will LGBTQ+ Seniors benefit from the food drive, but also Montrose Center clients who are the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community and involved in trans, domestic violence and homeless youth programs. Talk about impact + collaboration!
You can hear more from the Montrose Center about the impact of the Chamber Holiday Food Drive via the interview below.
Check out the Chamber Holiday Food Drive Facebook Photo Album and see everyone coming together to support LGBTQ+ Seniors.
Watch the videos on the Chamber's YouTube Channel highlighting the interviews during the Chamber Holiday Food Drive with our sponsors, community partners, the Montrose Center and other key supporters.

Check out more videos on the Chamber's YouTube Page.
THANK YOU!
44 Sponsors, Community Partners and Media Partners stepped up to say "We will help," including the Chamber Holiday Food Drive Title Sponsor, ARCA Continental Coca Cola Southwest Beverages and Anchor Sponsors, Eureka Heights Brewery and SignatureCare ER.

Because of these companies, community organizations, and media partners, the Chamber Holiday Food Drive made a tremendous difference for LGBTQ+ Seniors during the holidays and will help even more Montrose Center clients this year. 
Much appreciation to the amazing volunteers who helped out on the day of the Food Drive! We appreciate your time and commitment to our LGBTQ+ Seniors.
Generosity in Action
What we witnessed on Friday, December 10th and through the many individual donations to the Virtual Food Drive is generosity in action. Again, this is what community coming TOGETHER looks like and how we can make a difference for those in need.  

The Chamber Holiday Food Drive is about looking beyond our "four walls" and giving back and supporting community. As an organization at the intersection of business and community, we have a wonderful opportunity to bring together companies and individuals to support the LGBTQ+ community.  

On behalf of our Board and Chamber Team, thank you for helping us make a difference this holiday season for LGBTQ+ Seniors.

With gratitude,
Tammi Wallace
Co-Founder, President & CEO
Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce | 832-510-3002 | info@houstonlgbtchamber.com | houstonlgbtchamber.com