Helping Hands Reaches New Heights
After 19 years, University of Findlay’s Helping Hands food drive continues to grow and make a difference in fighting food insecurity in Hancock County. On Thursday, campus and community members gathered to celebrate this year’s achievements and finalize the total food donations.
This year, Helping Hands collected an incredible 265,216 pounds of food—surpassing last year’s record by over 15,000 pounds! “It’s amazing to see everyone come together like this,” said David Harr, University of Findlay’s Dining Director. “In times like these, every contribution counts even more.”
Once again, campus and community groups, along with local schools, joined in the competition for awards and bragging rights:
- Student Affairs led the UF Campus Challenge with 833 pounds per person, totaling 46,669 pounds!
- McComb Middle School won the Golden Can Award for the third consecutive year, with 75.83 pounds per person.
- In the Can-struction contest, Oiler Marching Band won People’s Choice, Alpha Psi Omega took Most Creative, and UF 4 Paws for Ability brought in the most weight with 2,080 pounds.
All 43 pallets of food were picked up by Garner Trucking Inc. and delivered to CHOPIN Hall to serve those in need. This year’s drive has brought the University of Findlay’s total donations since 2006 to over 1.85 million pounds. Ron Rooker, director of CHOPIN Hall, expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Helping Hands doesn’t just fill our pantry; it fills the hearts of everyone involved.”
To learn more about this year’s Helping Hands, visit https://www.findlay.edu/offices/student-affairs/dining/helping-hands.