How to Host a Donation Drive for Hearts & Hands Food Pantry

Community support made easy—how anyone can start their own drive today

Hosting a donation drive for Hearts & Hands Food Pantry is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to make a difference in the local community. Whether you are an individual hoping to give back or part of a larger organization looking for a service opportunity, starting a campaign takes just a few easy steps.

Choose What You Want to Donate

The first step is deciding what type of support you would like to offer. Hearts & Hands Food Pantry accepts both non-perishable food items and monetary donations. These contributions go directly toward supporting families in Mecklenburg County who are experiencing food insecurity. Once you have decided on the type of donation, you can begin planning your drive.

Hosting a Drive as an Individual

Individual community members can easily host a drive without needing a large group. One popular option is to create a personalized Amazon wishlist of items you would like to donate, then share the link with your network. You can also share the pantry’s existing Amazon wishlist to make it even easier for supporters to participate.

Spreading the word is key. A simple message via text, email, or social media can let friends and family know how they can get involved. For those who may need assistance setting up a wishlist or writing a message, the Hearts & Hands team is available to help guide the process.

Here is a sample message that individuals can use or adapt:

“Hi [Name], I’m organizing a donation drive to support Hearts & Hands Food Pantry, which helps local families in need. I’m collecting [insert food, funds, or both], and I’d love your support. You can donate items here: [insert Amazon link or pantry wishlist], or send a monetary gift directly at www.heartsandhandsfoodpantry.com/donate. Thank you for helping make a difference!”

Organizing a Drive with a Group or Workplace

For organizations, schools, churches, or clubs, hosting a donation drive can be a meaningful team effort. Groups can work together to create a shared Amazon wishlist or circulate the pantry’s existing one. Many organizations also opt to set up donation boxes on-site where staff or members can drop off canned goods and shelf-stable food items.

Another important step for organizations is to check if their company offers employee donation matching programs. Matching contributions can double the impact of a fundraising campaign and increase the total amount raised.

Promoting the drive internally—through email newsletters, flyers, or social media—can also help ensure broad participation.

Support Is Always Available

Whether you are hosting a drive alone or with a group, Hearts & Hands Food Pantry is ready to support your efforts. If you need help setting up your campaign, communicating with your network, or have questions about what to collect, the pantry’s team is available to assist.

To learn more, contact the pantry directly at https://www.heartsandhandsfoodpantry.com/contact .

You can also donate online or view their current wishlist to see what items are most needed.

Building Community, One Donation at a Time

By hosting a donation drive, you play an important role in strengthening the community and helping families access essential food resources. Whether it is a solo effort or a group campaign, your support can make a lasting difference.