by Madi Senneway, Mt. Lebanon High School Senior
When I was six years old, my parents hosted ‘my’ first food drive in my name. Growing up in ‘The Bubble’ of Mt. Lebanon, my parents wanted to make sure I understood how incredibly lucky I am. They wanted to teach me the value of community and the importance of giving back. Now, I am seventeen years old, going into my senior year of high school at Mt. Lebanon, and will be hosting my 12th annual food drive this August. 
After the first food drive, we delivered the donations to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. At six years old I couldn’t comprehend how the Food Bank could possibly need more food when they already had a massive warehouse full of it. It felt as though my small donation didn’t really matter. My parents, however, were not discouraged by my reaction, and decided to research more local organizations. When we found SHIM, we knew we had found our fit. When we visited, the modest (by comparison) pantry had several empty shelves. When they shared that shoppers had just been there this morning and they were waiting for donations from a local organization to arrive, we knew this was a place where we could really make a difference. SHIM is such an amazing organization, with lovely people, committed volunteers, and a strong central mission. What really inspires me is just how local it truly is. When they say, “neighbors helping neighbors,” they really mean it; each and every donation makes a lasting impact on people within our community.
While it may not seem like it, not everyone in our community is lucky enough to have the newest clothing trends, a roof over their head, or food on the table, and food drives collect donations that go directly to families in need. Food drives help make sure that no one in the community goes hungry when faced with difficult times. They also raise awareness about food insecurity and how much of an impact people can make when they come together to help. Access to food is a basic human necessity, and helping others meet those needs shows compassion and unity. Organizing an annual food drive makes me feel proud of my community and the help we can provide, and hopeful for a future where food insecurity is something people do not have to face. It feels good to know that something so simple can make a real difference in someone’s life.
But food drives just don’t happen on their own. Someone needs to get the ball rolling by being a host, promoting the event, collecting the donations, and delivering them to SHIM. For anyone considering hosting a drive: DO IT! It’s surprisingly simple to organize and an amazing way to bring your community together while also making a difference for your neighbors!
After years of experience, I’ve developed a system that’s fun, easy, and successful. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just someone who wants to make a difference – here’s my simple, step by step, guide to starting your own food drive:
- First, choose a date; make sure to communicate with your family to help you find the date that works best. Over the years I’ve tried several different iterations – Saturday AND Sunday, Saturday all day, Sunday afternoons, in the end, I prefer a Sunday afternoon. Once you pick a date, please let SHIM know – Here’s the link to register your drive with SHIM.
- Then, create a one page flier. Make sure it features a title in large font advertising the drive, the date, and the location, as well as a smaller font list of recommended donations and other important information. Then I post the flier on Facebook or Instagram to promote it. I also like to hang the flier in local spots where people will see it. If creating your own flier isn’t up your alley, SHIM provides a flier template you can fill in with your information, as well as a list of their most needed donation items.
- Next, I make larger poster board signs to place around my neighborhood the day before the event. You can decorate them with bubble letters and colorful markers and attach balloons to draw attention!
- Approaching the day of the drive, I make cookies and lemonade to serve to guests. I also make sure I have a pre-packaged snack to serve to those worried about allergens.
- On the big day, I set up a tent and table in my driveway. We blow up balloons, serve cookies, and socialize with donors. It creates a fun and welcoming atmosphere to encourage neighbors to stop by. It is so rewarding to see how eager people are to support their neighbors in need.
Here are some other tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years:
- Don’t schedule your drive on days of sporting events (like Steelers games), people often overlook your drive when they are busy hosting watch parties or tailgating with friends!
- Using social media is very helpful. Making a flier you can post on your Instagram and in Facebook groups will bring in lots of donors! Creating an ‘event’ on Facebook will send automatic reminders to anyone who said they’d attend.
- Taking your flier to local spots, like your township’s library or small businesses, is another great way to draw in donors. That way people will read about your food drive while getting their next read or their morning coffee!
- If you have the time and space, you can reach out to Kona Ice and organize a time for them to come during your drive. Any neighbors with little kids will be thrilled to stop by to get them shaved ice and of course, they’ll have to donate to your drive! Kona Ice also generously donates a small percentage of what they make.
- Another easy way to increase donations is to offer QR codes leading people to your personal Venmo, Paypal, or Zelle. Make sure to ask people to note that the donation is for SHIM. That way people can donate without having prepared in advance! I print out big QR code signs to keep at our table the day of, and will add it to the flier as well!
Hosting a food drive has taught me the power of community and the impact one person can make by simply getting involved. It’s a small act that brings many people together and creates real change for families in need. I’m so grateful to continue this tradition each year, and I hope this inspires you to start one of your own!
Get started at www.shimcares.org/host-a-drive!
