Annual All-School Can Drive Kicks Off

One of EA's longest-standing traditions, the Can Drive, is officially underway. During Upper Chapel on Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Vestry held a Can Drive draft, an "annual showdown where each class drafts their community partners and pledges to collect as many donations as possible," explained Vestry Warden Brandon Bin '26. "The competition fierce. The stakes high. And the cause just incredible."

"Ultimately, the winners of our Can Drive will be our community partners," shared Vestry Accounting Warden Lucia Forte '26.

Freshmen drafted the St. James School in Philadelphia and will collect soup and pasta. The sophomores chose St. Barnabas Community Resource Center (protein products), while the juniors will stock the cupboards of the Chester County Food Bank (protein products). The seniors will collect and donate cleaning products for ACLAMO. 

Donations can be dropped off at the altar of the Class of 1944 Chapel. Super Sunday will be held on Nov. 2, and donations can be dropped at the Middle School Circle between 1-3 p.m.

"This will be an opportunity to make a huge impact for our partners," said Lucia. "These partnerships are long-standing and rely on EA's Can Drive every year. This is one of our most important service traditions, but it only works if everyone contributes. Let's make this our strongest Can Drive yet. Our goal is 100% participation from students and faculty."

In Middle School, 6th grade is partnering with the Memorial Church of God in Christ. 7th Grade will support St. James School, while 8th grade will collect needed items for ACLAMO.

"All donations should be brought to homeroom and will be packed by the Middle School Chapel Council," said Rev. Michael Palmisano. "The goal is 100% participation by students, faculty, and staff. Last year, we were very close with 6th grade leading the way with 100% support!"

In Lower School, donations will be collected in students' homerooms. 

PreK, Kindergarten, and 1st grade will collect items for the Chester County Food Bank. Students are encouraged to bring in canned proteins, vegetables, pasta, and soups.

Second and 3rd grade will support St. Barnabas with donations of pasta, granola bars, crackers, canned proteins and veggies, and soup.

For 4th and 5th grade, supplies for The Welcome Table at St. James School are needed, including pastas, protein-rich canned goods, crackers, and granola bars.

The Can Drive runs through Tuesday, Nov. 25.