Community food drive runs October 10 through November 26 to support Hancock's Loaves & Fishes Food Bank
HANCOCK, NY — October 2026 — As Thanksgiving approaches, the Hancock Rotary Club and Strength Brokerage are joining forces once again to help local families facing food insecurity through their annual Bags for Food Pantry campaign.
The community-wide initiative encourages Hancock residents, businesses and organizations to donate bags of non-perishable food items to help replenish the shelves of the Loaves & Fishes Food Bank ahead of the holiday season. A Rotary tradition leading up to Thanksgiving dating bank many years.
From October 10 through November 26, 2026, residents are invited to fill a brown paper or plastic grocery bag with non-perishable food items and deliver it to:
Strength Brokerage LLC: 65 West Front Street Extension Hancock, NY 13783
In addition to serving as the collection location, Strength Brokerage will donate $5 for every full bag of food collected, increasing the value of each community contribution.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The approaching winter months can place additional financial pressure on local households, particularly as seasonal employment slows and heating and other living expenses increase. For families already struggling with grocery costs, community food assistance can provide meaningful support.
The Hancock Rotary Club's partnership with Strength Brokerage reflects the shared commitment of local civic organizations and businesses to helping neighbors in need. Every bag donated represents more than groceries. It is a reminder that Hancock is a community where people look out for one another.
“At Strength Brokerage, we believe a strong community is built by neighbors looking out for neighbors. Hancock has given so much to our business over the years, and giving back isn't just something we do—it's part of who we are. Every bag of food represents a family we can help, a table we can fill, and a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. We're proud to stand alongside the Hancock Rotary Club to make sure our neighbors know they're never alone.”
— John Mason, President, Strength Brokerage LLC
How Residents Can Help
Community members are encouraged to donate a full grocery bag containing shelf-stable, non-perishable items, including canned vegetables and fruit, soups, pasta, rice, peanut butter, cereal, boxed meals and other pantry staples.
Donations should be unopened, within their expiration dates and suitable for storage without refrigeration. Every donated bag will help support the Loaves & Fishes Food Bank, while Strength Brokerage's additional $5 contribution per bag will further strengthen the fundraising effort. Take a picture when you drop of your bag at the office and share the mission on your own social media to help us raise awareness and more donations!
Local businesses, families, civic groups and community organizations are encouraged to participate by collecting multiple bags or organizing small donation drives of their own.
A Community Tradition of Service
The Bags for Food Pantry campaign is part of the Hancock Rotary Club's ongoing commitment to community service, charitable outreach and improving the lives of local residents. Through its partnership with Strength Brokerage, the club hopes to make the 2026 collection another successful demonstration of Hancock's generosity and community spirit.
The organizations extend their appreciation to everyone who contributes food, helps spread the word or encourages others to participate.
Together, we can help put food on local tables this Thanksgiving.
2026 Bags for Food Pantry Drive
Dates: October 10–November 26, 2026
Drop-off: Strength Brokerage LLC, 65 West Front Street Extension, Hancock, NY 13783
What to donate: Full grocery bags of non-perishable food
Additional contribution: Strength Brokerage donates $5 for every full bag collected
Beneficiary: Loaves & Fishes Food Bank
Contact: Richard H . Lowe, III (931) 581-4132
Service Above Self — Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
