A record-breaking number of items have been donated to the Hawks’ Nest

The November 2025 Faculty and Staff Food Drive Competition – which occurred between Nov. 4-18 filled the Hawks’ Nest almost to the bursting point with an abundance of food and personal care items.

In this record-breaking food drive, more than 4,600 items were donated to the Hawks’ Nest, HFC’s food and personal items pantry for students.

“I don’t have the words to capture the extent of my gratitude,” said HFC Student Activities Associate and Hawks’ Nest Manager Kayla Collins. “The generosity I’ve witnessed over those two weeks has left me in awe. I honestly haven’t seen the pantry this full since I joined the College in September 2022! With everything happening in the world today, moments like this remind me that every action – donating food, spreading the word, volunteering, or encouraging others to get involved – adds up to make a real impact.”

In the first three weeks of November, Collins said the Hawks’ Nest had an unprecedented 75 visits from students. This increased usage is the reason the Hawks’ Nest expanded its access to four times per month until December 14, the final day of the Fall 2025 semester.

“These donations are already being put to good use!” said Collins. “Students have consistently expressed their gratitude, and they’re amazed by the abundance of donations. After the food drive ended, several students walked in, stopped in their tracks, and asked, ‘Wow! You’re telling me this was all donated?’ It is incredibly gratifying to see their faces light up when they find the exact grocery item they’ve been searching for.”

Competition results

Across the HFC campus, many departments joined together into teams to see which one could donate the most food and personal care items to the Hawks’ Nest. Teams had a maximum of 15 participants, to create a level playing field across divisions. The competition was judged via a point-based system based on the pantry’s most needed items:

• 4-point items: Complete ready-made meals, personal care items, and high demand items
• 3-point items: Meal kits, family-size meal items, side dishes
• 2-point items: Pantry staples and snacks
• 1-point items: Ingredients

The total amount of points earned by all teams combined was 13,893.

First place: The first-place team was Feed the Flock, which included all the Marketing and Communications divisional teams from Admissions and Recruiting, Graphics, and the Web Team. They amassed a total of 2,780 points.

Second place: Hawk Souper Heroes, a team made up of College administrators, came in second with 2,234 points.

Third place: Pantry Pals, a team from Enrollment Services, finished third with 1,404 points.

“Eeveryone is a winner in my book for supporting the Hawks’ Nest!” said Collins. “I’d also like to extend a huge thanks to the staff and students who volunteered their time to calculate point totals, label items, and organize the shelves. Because of them, we were able to store everything efficiently and keep our regular operations running smoothly. If it weren’t for their help, I’d probably still be counting well into next week! And, of course, thank you to the Student Success Committee for helping organize this competition. Keep your eyes open for similar competitions in future semesters.”

Food and personal care donations always needed

To address ongoing student needs, the Hawks' Nest is always accepting donations.

Here is a list of what the Hawks’ Nest needs and how to donate. With the winter months approaching, the Hawks’ Nest is also accepting donations of new hats, gloves, and scarves.

Monetary donations

Donations of funds are always accepted. Donate online through the HFC Foundation. Be sure to select the Hawks’ Nest when donating.

Open to any current HFC student

The Hawks’ Nest is open to any student enrolled in at least 1 credit hour at HFC. If you are a first-time visitor, please bring with you:

• Your HFC student ID card
• Your current course schedule

Once you show your course schedule and complete an intake form, you will be registered for the semester and can pick up grocery and personal care items up to four times per month through the end of the Fall 2025 semester.

Hours of operation

The Hawks’ Nest is located on the first floor of the Andrew A. Mazzara Administrative Services & Conference Center (ASCC) (Building L on the main campus). Its hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may drop in or make an appointment at your convenience.

For questions or more information about the Hawks’ Nest, contact Collins at 313-317-6529 or hawksnest@hawkmail.hfcc.edu.