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Events › Shake the Can

Shake the Can
for
Greater Waterbury.

GWIM volunteers hit the streets of Greater Waterbury to collect donations and spread the word about hunger in our community. Every dollar dropped in the can goes directly to feeding our neighbors.

Volunteer to ShakeDonate Online Instead
Dates Vary Year-Round203-757-7734gwimsk@forhungry.com
How It Works

Simple, Direct, and Powerful

🚨

Busy Intersections

Volunteers stand at high-traffic Waterbury corners with collection cans. Engaging drivers and pedestrians with a smile and a simple ask.

💰

100% Direct to GWIM

Every coin and bill goes straight to the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. No fancy gala, no ticket price. Just neighbors helping neighbors.

💯

Low Overhead, High Impact

Running since 2018 (with a pause during the COVID years), Shake the Can is one of our most grassroots and personal fundraisers.

Get Involved

Grab a Can and Join Us

It is a fun, easy way to make a real difference. Want on the volunteer list for the next Shake the Can?

  • Open to individuals and groups
  • Board members and community leaders often participate
  • Great way to get kids involved in giving back
  • We provide cans, GWIM gear, and the location
  • You bring the energy and a smile
⚠️

Dates Vary Year-Round

Shake the Can events are scheduled as needed throughout the year. Call 203-757-7734 or email gwimsk@forhungry.com to get on the volunteer list.

Email to VolunteerCall Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

A grassroots fundraising event. Volunteers stand at busy intersections and high-traffic store locations across Greater Waterbury with collection cans, asking passing drivers and pedestrians to donate to hunger relief. Simple, direct, personal.
Events are held throughout the year as needed. Dates vary and are announced through GWIM communications. Call 203-757-7734 or email gwimsk@forhungry.com for the next schedule.
100% to GWIM programs. Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry mostly. No platform fees, no cut for anyone.
Absolutely. It is a great way to involve young people in giving back. Kids love the activity and understand the cause.
Board members, community leaders, church groups, businesses, and individuals. Everyone is welcome to shake a can.
Getting There

Directions to Greater Waterbury Intersections

Various locations across Greater Waterbury. From across Greater Waterbury and nearby towns.

From Downtown Waterbury
Take East Main St eastbound for about 1 mile. GWIM is on the right at 770 East Main St.
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From Town Plot
Route 63 or West Main St toward Downtown, then continue east on East Main St.
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From Bunker Hill / North End
North Main St south toward Downtown, then left onto East Main St.
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From Washington Hill / South End
South Main St north, right onto East Main St.
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From East End / East Mountain
Follow East Main St west toward Downtown. GWIM is on the left.
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From Naugatuck / Wolcott
Route 8 North to Exit 27 (East Main St). Turn right.
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The Community Shows Up

Past Sponsors & Supporters

Businesses and organizations across Greater Waterbury that have backed this event and GWIM programs over the years.

🏢

Businesses

Ion Bank, Thomaston Savings Bank, Tindall Law Firm, Carmody Torrance Sandak Hennessey, Albert Bros, BJM Law, Post University, ServiceMaster Restore, Brass City Tile Designs, and many more.

🏫

Schools & Youth Groups

Area high schools, scout troops, and youth organizations across Waterbury, Wolcott, Naugatuck, Middlebury, and surrounding towns bring teams, drives, and volunteers.

⛪️

Faith Communities

52 member congregations (churches, synagogues, and a mosque) rotating kitchen duty and providing ongoing event support since 1933.

Local Press & Community

Coverage Across Greater Waterbury

Our events are supported by neighbors across Waterbury, Wolcott, Naugatuck, Middlebury, Thomaston, Prospect, Watertown, Cheshire, and beyond. If you cover GWIM in local media or community newsletters, we would love to link your work.

Email gwimsk@forhungry.com with coverage or to request press materials.

Media Inquiry

Every Coin Counts

100%
Direct to GWIM
No platform fees
2018
Running Since
With a COVID pause
All Year
Events Scheduled
As needed

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