From Box to Hope: How to Rock Your Gather & Give Food Drive

How to Run a Successful Food Drive

Choose Your Collection Spot

Pick a visible and accessible location like your workplace, school, local business, place of worship, or community center.

Set the Dates

Decide when your food drive will start and end. We recommend running it for at least one week to give people time to participate.

Get the Green Light

Secure approval from any necessary leadership (like building managers, HR, school administrators, or store owners).

Set a Goal

How many boxes can you fill? Each of our collection boxes holds up to 100 pounds of food. Setting a goal helps create momentum!

Register Your Drive with Long Island Cares

Let us know you’re hosting so we can support you! Register your drive here »

Use Our Flyer to Promote Your Drive

Download our free flyer to spread the word. Print it out, hang it up, or share it digitally with your network.

Spread the Word on Social Media

Post photos, share your goals, and update your followers throughout the drive. Don’t forget to tag us so we can cheer you on!

Place Your Collection Boxes Where People Will See Them

Visibility is key—think front lobbies, break rooms, entrances, checkout areas, etc.

Share Seasonal Needs

Let people know what’s most needed! Select one of the lists from the Gather & Give page.

Keep the Energy Up

Send reminders, celebrate milestones (“Halfway to our goal!”), and thank your supporters along the way.

Schedule Pickup or Plan a Drop-Off

When your drive ends, coordinate with Long Island Cares for pickup (available M–F, 9 AM–3 PM) or arrange to drop off your donations.

Celebrate and Say Thanks

Share your results with your team, community, or donors. A simple “we did it!” post goes a long way—and so does a thank-you note!