21st Annual Helping Hands
Food Drive
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
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About Helping Hands
The Helping Hands Food Drive at the University of Findlay is a long‑running campus tradition where students, faculty, staff, and community members come together to fight food insecurity in surrounding Northwest Ohio counties.
Donate Derrick Dollars
Students can support the Helping Hands Food Drive by donating Derrick Dollars.
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Donate Today
Every contribution helps provide food and essential items to local families in need.
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Top Requested Items
Peanut Butter
Canned Fruit
Canned Soup
Bottled Juice
Cereal
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Event Schedule
6th Annual Make
and Partake
Date: Wed., October 28: 4–6 p.m.
Location: Alumni Memorial Union MPR
Join us for Make and Partake, a creative and charitable event held in the Multipurpose Room of the Alumni Memorial Union at the University of Findlay.
- Details TBD
Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening while supporting a great cause.
Can-Struction Presented by SGA
Date: Thu., October 29: 4 p.m. –
Mon., November 3 8 p.m.
Location: Watterson Center
Student groups and organizations will build sculptures entirely out of canned goods beginning October 29 at 4 p.m. Teams will have until November 2 at 11:59 p.m. to complete their creations. Judging and online voting will be available on November 3 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Awards include:
- People’s Choice
- Most Creative
- Most Poundage
School Golden Can Collection Day
Date: Tue., November 3
Location: Hancock Schools
Area middle and high schools compete to collect the most pounds of food per student population.
This friendly competition helps build community spirit while supporting local families.
Awards include:
- Golden Can Award
- Silver Can Award
- Bronze Can Award
Helping Hands Food Drive: Collection Day
Date: Wed., November 4: 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Watterson Center
The University of Findlay’s Watterson Center serves as the central hub, where all donations will be inspected, sorted, and packed for delivery to CHOPIN Hall.
- Collection sites TBD
Helping Hands Food Drive:
Awards Ceremony
Date: Thursday, November 5: Noon
Location: Watterson Center
- 8 a.m. – Food load-out and delivery to CHOPIN Hall (Thank you Garner Trucking)
- Noon – Helping Hands Award Ceremony in the Watterson Center
During the Ceremony We Will Announce:
- Total volunteer hours and number of volunteers
- Overall pounds of food collected
- Can-struction winners
- UF Campus Challenge winners
university of findlay
Get Involved
Want to get involved? Contact us to learn how to donate, volunteer, sponsor, or contribute to our Annual Helping Hands Food Drive.
Email: helpinghands@findlay.edu
Phone: (419) 434-4559
Location: 301 Davis St., Findlay, OH 45840