A Thanksgiving meal takes planning, and so does helping someone else put one on the table.

From American Canyon to Calistoga, local collections and year-round food programs offer several ways to help.

St. Helena: the Pathfinder food drive

The Napa Valley Pathfinder Club is collecting nonperishable food in a decorated box in the foyer of the St. Helena Seventh-day Adventist Church, at 1777 Main Street, St. Helena.

The church bulletin asks for food that has not expired.

If you cannot shop, you can give through a tithe envelope marked “Pathfinder Food Drive”, and the club will shop for you.

Contact RoseAnn Dalmas at 707-718-8498 about current needs, drop-off access, and the collection deadline; the announcement does not give one.

American Canyon: a November 14 pickup

Scouting for Food benefits the American Canyon Food Pantry, with donated food staying in the community.

Door hangers are being distributed November 7.

Place nonperishable food in a visible bag or box near your front porch or driveway by 9 a.m. Saturday, November 14, with the flyer attached or “Scouting for Food” written on it.

The city’s local instructions say to email troop7062@gmail.com by 9 a.m. that day to help ensure collection.

Do not include frozen food, open containers, or glass.

Napa: Thanksgiving baskets

St. Vincent de Paul at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is collecting nonperishable food for Thanksgiving baskets.

Collection barrels are around the church at 960 Caymus Street, Napa; check with the parish about its cutoff before making a special trip.

Support upvalley pantries all season

St. Helena Community Food Pantry’s giving page lists needed items, including canned protein, peanut butter, soup, beans, pasta, and cereal, plus an online donation option.

It does not accept expired food, glass containers, damaged packaging, or pet food; ask about donation drop-off arrangements.

Calistoga Cares’ donation page welcomes financial gifts and unexpired food such as rice, beans, peanut butter, and canned produce.

To arrange a food drop-off or ask about volunteering, contact Calistoga Cares at 214-425-7294.

UpValley Family Centers accepts gifts designated “Holiday and Emergency Assistance” to help families with winter food and other urgent needs.

That is broader seasonal assistance, not a Thanksgiving-only dinner collection.

Give money, food, or time countywide

Community Action of Napa Valley supports food programs across the county; ask how to direct a gift toward food assistance.

Feeding It Forward welcomes financial support, arranged food donations, and volunteers who collect and deliver surplus food.

The Napa Salvation Army kitchen also recruits weekday lunch volunteers; its ongoing opportunity is not a confirmed Thanksgiving Day shift.

Before donating, check requested items, access, deadlines, and volunteer signup requirements.

Looking for food help instead? Our companion food-resources guide covers options around the valley.