No Tricks, Just Treats for Our Neighbors

Every October 31, neighborhoods come alive with the glow of pumpkins lighting the way, people walking around in elaborate costumes and excited children holding large bags filled with their candy and chocolate bars. For Emma, last year’s Halloween celebrations were more than just the sweets. Instead of participating in her annual festivities, she decided to make the night more meaningful by knocking on doors to collect cans of food for those in need.

Like many high school seniors, Emma had to complete the daunting task of a capstone project, a requirement for graduation. While there were plenty of project options to choose from, Emma decided she wanted to create a meaningful impact. With her teacher’s help, she partnered with United Food Bank to host a food drive. Reflecting on her motivation to work with United Food Bank, she shared,

“My family has been in hard spots before,” reflected Emma. “And seeing how people reach out and seeing how people are really willing to help people they see in need. I just wanted to return the favor.”

Between organizing, planning, and all the small tasks required, Emma found herself racing against time. While she has volunteered before, she has never undertaken something of this magnitude. Instead of letting the pressure get to her, Emma rose to the occasion. With the help of her family, she scrambled to make flyers, spreading the word and recruiting about 25 friends and members from her church to assist her on Halloween night.

At the end of the night, she collected 1,547 pounds of food! Emma admitted she laughed when she finished counting. She expected only to receive a couple of cans. Seeing all the food in her parent’s car, waiting to be delivered to United Food Bank, was a surreal moment for her.

“I definitely didn’t expect it to be as big as it was. I was kind of expecting a couple of cans. But it was really cool that so many people were willing to help,” 

For Emma, this wasn’t just a school project – it was a passion project. While many students approach their capstone assignments with a sense of obligation and as a chore, Emma’s drive went beyond fulfilling a requirement. For her, she hopes that others her age will be inspired by her story and get involved and be a part of the community. 

 “It’s just really easy as teenagers to say ‘school is too busy’ and ‘I don’t have the time,’” said Emma. “But I feel like having people my age reach out and try and help makes a big impact. It shows people that we want to help the world and make it a better place.” 

For any teenager wanting to host their own food drives, her biggest piece of advice is to ask for help. If it weren’t for the help from her teacher, friends and parents, she wouldn’t have been able to collect as much food as she did. 

If Emma’s story inspired you and you to start a new (and less sugary) Halloween tradition, it’s not too late to get started! For more information about how you can host your own food drive, visit our website at unitedfoodbank.org/donate/host-a-food-drive/ to learn how to get started.