Dining Services
Helping Hands
Food Drive
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 Hancock County.
21st Annual Helping Hands Food Drive
Collection On Campus
7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Donate Today
7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Collection Off Campus
Help support local families through the Helping Hands Food Drive.
History
The Helping Hands Food Drive has become a longstanding University of Findlay tradition, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community to fight hunger across Hancock County. Through food collection events, competitions, volunteering, and community partnerships, Helping Hands continues to make a meaningful impact each year.
Students – Donate Derrick Dollars
Students can support the Helping Hands Food Drive by donating Derrick Dollars throughout the campaign. Every contribution helps provide food and essential items to local families in need.
Collection Locations
On-Campus
- CBSL Atrium
7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Off-Campus
- Walmart – Tiffin Ave
- Walmart – Trenton Ave
- Brinkman’s
- Great Scott – Broad Ave
- Kroger – Main St.
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sorting & Packing
CBSL Atrium
All food will be inspected, sorted, packed, and recorded throughout the day.
Top Requested Items
Peanut Butter
Canned Fruit
Canned Soup
Bottled Juice
Cereal
Event Schedule
Wednesday, October 28: Make and Partake — 4–6 PM
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.
- A Helping Hands logo apron
- Three wood painting boards
- Refreshments
- One raffle ticket
Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening while supporting a great cause..
Friday, October 31: Can-struction presented by UF Student Government Association — 5 PM
A competitive and creative event held in the Atrium of the Center for Student Life. Student groups and organizations will build sculptures entirely out of canned goods.
Teams will have until Tuesday, November 4 at 5 p.m. to complete their creations. Judging and public voting will continue through Wednesday, November 5 at 5 p.m.
Awards Include:
- People’s Choice..
- Most Creative
- Most Poundage
Tuesday, November 3: Hancock School Golden Can Competition
Area middle and high schools compete to collect the most pounds of food per student population.
Awards Include:
- Gold Can Award
- Silver Can Award
- Bronze Can Award
This friendly competition helps build community spirit while supporting local families.
Wednesday, November 5: Helping Hands Food Drive — 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM & Campus Challenge
The University of Findlay’s Center for Student Life Atrium serves as the central hub, where all donations will be inspected, sorted, and packed for delivery to CHOPIN Hall.
Confirmed Collection Sites Include:
- Findlay Chamber of Commerce
- Kroger on Tiffin Avenue
- Kroger on 6th Street
- Walmart on Trenton Avenue
- Walmart on Tiffin Avenue
- Great Scot on Broad Avenue
- Brinkman’s
University departments and colleges will also compete in the UF Campus Challenge for The Emsweller Helping Hands Cup.
Thursday, November 6
- 8 AM – Food load-out and delivery to CHOPIN Hall (Thank you Garner Trucking)
- Noon – Helping Hands Award Ceremony in the Center for Student Life Atrium
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
- Silent Auction
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Check out our Sponsors
university of findlay
Contact Us
Have questions about on‑campus dining? Curious where you can use your meal plan or Derrick Dollars? Looking for nutrition details, hours, or help with dietary needs? The Dining Services team is here to support you—reach out anytime.
Email: ufdining@findlay.edu
Phone: (419) 434-4542
Location: 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840