The University of Findlay’s 21st annual Helping Hands Food Drive will hold its official collection day on Wednesday, Nov. 4, bringing together campus and community members to help fight food insecurity in Hancock County.
The University’s Watterson Center, located at 301 Davis St. in Findlay, will serve as the central collection location, accepting donations from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Volunteers also will be stationed at collection points throughout the city from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., distributing shopping lists and collecting donations from community members. The participating collection locations (all in the Findlay community) include:
- Kroger on 6th Street
- Kroger on Tiffin Ave.
- Walmart on Tiffin Ave.
- Walmart on Trenton Ave.
- Brinkman’s
Community members are encouraged to contribute nonperishable food items or make monetary donations to support the effort. Among the most-needed items are peanut butter, canned fruit, canned soup, bottled juice and cereal.
All donations collected through Helping Hands will benefit CHOPIN Hall, a local nonprofit that distributes food to individuals and families throughout the community.
Following Collection Day, donations will be inspected, sorted and delivered to CHOPIN Hall on Thursday, Nov. 5, with transportation provided by Garner Trucking. An awards ceremony will follow at noon in the Watterson Center, recognizing contributors, participants in the campaign’s various competitions, and the grand total (in pounds) of food collected.
The collection effort is the culmination of several weeks of activities designed to engage University students, employees, local schools, businesses, and community members in addressing food insecurity.
Among the campaign’s activities is the “Can-struction” competition, which begins Oct. 29 at the Watterson Center. Student groups will build sculptures entirely from canned goods, with entries judged on creativity and volume. Community members also will have an opportunity to participate through online voting on Nov. 3.
The fifth annual Hancock Area Schools Golden Can Competition also will conclude Nov. 3. Area middle and high schools compete to collect the most food based on pounds per student, with awards recognizing the top-performing schools.
Founded in 2005 by the University of Findlay, the Helping Hands Food Drive has grown into a longstanding community tradition supporting hunger-relief efforts throughout Hancock County. Over the years, the initiative has collected more than 2.3 million pounds of food, demonstrating the impact of collective community action.
For additional information about collection locations, donation opportunities and upcoming events, visit the University of Findlay’s Helping Hands Food Drive webpage.
