10/11/2026
🩷 BACKROADS GIVES BACK | HOLIDAY 2026 🩷
I’ve been sitting on this announcement for a little while, trying to figure out exactly how to put what’s on my heart into words.
When I started Aunt B’s Riverside Pantry, I had a dream of building something of my own. A little business where I could do something I genuinely love.
What I didn’t expect was for that dream to start growing into something so much bigger before my doors have even officially opened.
And the more this has grown, the more I’ve felt that there’s a reason behind it.
For those who may not know, I am a follower of Christ. My faith is a huge part of who I am, and I firmly believe that our Heavenly Father gives each of us opportunities to serve a purpose greater than ourselves.
I genuinely believe this is something He’s called me to do.
Not because I have everything figured out. Not because I have endless resources. But because I believe that when we’re given the opportunity to help someone, we should.
And that’s where Backroads Gives Back comes in. 🩷
With the incredible response we’ve received for our very first Backroads Boo Tour, I want to take the support and excitement surrounding our small businesses and turn some of it into something that can make a difference for families right here in our communities.
Our goal is to adopt 3–5 local families this holiday season.
🦃 THANKSGIVING | $1,000 FUNDRAISING GOAL
We want to provide complete Thanksgiving dinners for families who could use a little extra help putting food on the table this year.
We’ll also be collecting nonperishable Thanksgiving food items at participating Backroads Boo Tour stops.
🎄 CHRISTMAS | $2,000 FUNDRAISING GOAL
We want to help provide Christmas gifts, clothing, and essentials for the children and families we adopt.
🎄 HELP US LIGHT UP CHRISTMAS!
We’re also accepting donations of Christmas trees, working Christmas lights, ornaments, tree toppers, and holiday decorations for our adopted families!
New or gently used items are welcome. We just ask that everything be clean, complete, and in good working condition.
And here’s why this matters so much to me.
I don’t just want these children to have something to open on Christmas morning. I want them to experience the excitement of putting up a Christmas tree, hanging ornaments, turning on the lights, and making memories with their families.
Our hope is to have trees and decorations delivered early enough for families to enjoy them throughout the Christmas season.
Because every child deserves a little Christmas magic. 🩷
🧥 WARM COATS FOR LITTLE ONES
If we’re blessed enough to exceed our holiday needs, we’d love to use remaining unrestricted donations to purchase warm winter coats for children in our communities.
OUR TOTAL FINANCIAL FUNDRAISING GOAL: $3,000
That’s $1,000 for Thanksgiving and $2,000 for Christmas, with donated groceries, gifts, trees, lights, ornaments, and decorations collected in addition to those financial goals.
I also want to make something very clear.
Although my faith is what drives me to do this, Backroads Gives Back is for everyone.
You do not have to share my religious beliefs, attend a church, or belong to any particular organization to receive help.
There will be no judgment, no public sharing of anyone’s circumstances, and no expectation of anything in return.
Just people helping people.
We’ll be opening private applications and nominations for families needing assistance, and we’ll share those details soon.
We’re also working on a dedicated way to collect and document financial contributions so that everything is handled responsibly and transparently. Donation instructions will be announced once those arrangements are finalized.
Backroads Gives Back is currently a community-led giving initiative, with the hope of eventually becoming an established nonprofit organization.
I don’t want this to be something we do for one Halloween or one Christmas.
I want this to become something our communities can count on for years to come.
I’ve experienced firsthand how quickly life can change, and I know how much it can mean when someone shows up for you during a difficult season.
If there’s one thing I want to accomplish through all of this, it’s to be able to show up for someone else.
I truly believe God has placed this on my heart for a reason.
And I’m going to follow where He leads.
Thank you to every single person who has supported Aunt B’s Riverside Pantry, joined our Backroads Boo Tour, shared our posts, or encouraged this dream along the way.
We’re just getting started. 🩷
BACKROADS GIVES BACK
Rooted in Faith. Driven by Love. Built by Community.
With love,
Aunt B 🩷
Aunt B’s Riverside Pantry
🎃 Backroads Boo Tour | October 30–31, 2026
