Drive FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the drive?

Greg Gannon Canned Food Drives take place all throughout the year. Traditionally it is held the first Saturday in December. Please click on the Parish Drive tab above to find a parish near you and the date of the drive.

Why a food drive?

Greg Gannon wanted a service opportunity his children and his family could all do together. Collecting food in his neighborhood was a simple way for them to help those less fortunate. He never imagined how his friends and neighbors would respond to helping the greater community. Over thirty years later there are thousands of volunteers collecting food for those less fortunate with over a dozen Greg Gannon Canned Food Drives throughout the metropolitan Washington DC area.

How do I sign up?

Every drive is always looking for volunteers! We have opportunities before, during and after drive day! Click on the Parish Drive tab above and find a food drive in your area. There is a link to Sign Up on each of the drive pages. You can also click on the Contact Us button and someone from our team will help you find a way to get involved! Thank you for your interest!

Can I participate even if I’m not Catholic/Don’t belong to a Parish?

Our model of service is completely inclusive! If you want to support our efforts to serve those in need, we will find a way for you to help. We are always looking for volunteers! We have opportunities before, during and after drive day! Click on the Parish Drive tab above and find a food drive in your area. There is a link to Sign Up on each of the drive pages. You can also click on the Contact Us button and someone from our team will help you find a way to get involved! Thank you for your interest!

Who can participate?

Neighbors of all ages can participate in the Greg Gannon Canned Food Drive. This is part of what makes our drive a wonderful  community tradition.

What is a territory?

A “territory” is a block of houses in a neighborhood that is assigned to a particular food drive. Each territory is approximately 150 (plus or minus) houses. Volunteers are assigned a territory to distribute bags and collect food during food drive week. You always work inside your territory borders and never cross the outside street (most likely someone else’s territory).

Does each family cover a territory by themselves?

We would like one or two families to work together in each territory. It makes it a whole lot more fun and easier to be thorough in collecting every bag and every can!

How big are the territories?

Each territory is approximately 150 houses.

How much time does it take?

We tell volunteers that the food drive commitment takes between 4-6 hours the week of the drive. There is minimal time to prepare your territory supplies (and this is very easily done by volunteers in front of the TV). Distributing the bags takes about 1.5 hours. The best way is to have two volunteers, one each walking each side of the street as an adult slowly drives. This is also the best way to collect the cans on drive day. Collection can take about 2 hours. You might also spend some time sending out emails on your  listserv or making a special flyer to attach to your bags or staying after you drop off your cans at the drop off site for some socializing!

Can my student get service hours?

Yes, high school and grade school children can receive service hours. Please contact your drive coordinator for details.

Can kids outside the parish participate?

Yes, often times this turns into a neighborhood opportunity. Anyone can participate!

I would like to help but can't make it the day of the drive.

There are plenty of ways to help out with the drive before, during and after the drive. Check with your drive coordinator to find out more!