Andrew Ahn ’28
Photo courtesy of Mahika Ralhan ’26
It’s that time of year again, when Episcopal students bring in cans of food and other supplies for the annual Can Drive to support our partners: Saint Barnabas Community Resource Center, ACLAMO, Saint James School, and the Chester County Food Bank. The Can Drive is more than an annual event, however. It’s a meaningful way for students and faculty to contribute to the well-being of the wider community. Each donation helps to provide essential resources to families and individuals who particularly benefit from the generosity of others.
Full participation connects the Episcopal community and with real challenges others may face, highlighting the impact that can be made when everyone works together towards a single goal. It’s crucial that everyone at Episcopal truly thinks of the impact their contributions will make, rather than simply regarding the Can Drive as another Episcopal tradition.
As the Vestry Warden, Brandon Bin ’26 has had the opportunity to lead the setup of this year’s Can Drive and understands the importance of getting the community to donate, even if it’s just one item. Bin says, “Our community partnerships are long-standing, and each year they rely on our Can Drive to help them. Therefore, our goal for this year’s Can Drive is 100% participation among students and faculty, because the contribution of more is always helpful.” His words underline the true reason why the Can Drive is so special to those in need; it demonstrates how how small contributions, when combined, can have a substantial impact on those in need. Bin’s thoughts serve as a way for students to understand the importance of donating to the Can Drive and how it brings together the students, faculty, and staff of Episcopal.
Amy Brotschul, Community Service Coordinator, also plays a role in managing the Can Drive. Expressing her contentment in connecting people with resources, Brotschul says, “I love linking the needs of others with what resources we have here—just making everyone aware of the needs of the real world and thinking of other people.” Brotshul’s enthusiasm and love for community service highlights the well-built structure of the Can Drive under her and the Vestry’s leadership.
Additionally, Brotshul emphasizes the importance of recognizing why and understanding the reason behind the Can Drive. “I think it’s good that the kids are thinking about food insecurities and how to help reduce them, even if it is just shopping one day to bring the category of food they are assigned.” All Upper School students should heed her advice and take the time to run to the grocery store and buy a can of food or a package of supplies for the Can Drive, as donating has a significant impact on the families and individual recipients of our community partners. Every item donated contributes directly to supporting basic needs and strengthening the bonds, not only with Episcopal’s partners, but also between each and every student, united towards this cause.
Ultimately, the Can Drive is special as it serves as a means to help those in need of food and other supplies that overall improve the quality of life. Food insecurity is a real issue for many people, and the Episcopal community strives to acknowledge this struggle with various donations and contributions to centers such as Saint Barnabas Community Resource Center, ACLAMO, the Chester County Food Bank, and Saint James School. In the end, the Can Drive is not just about food and supplies. It’s about building a stronger and more supportive community, fostering empathy, and reminding everyone that together, even simple actions can make a powerful difference in the lives of others.
