Camping for Cans 2025 Officially Underway in Brookfield – Everything You Need to Know

Camping for Cans is back! The 2025 edition of the annual three-day live broadcast kicks off today in the BJ's parking lot in Brookfield, CT.

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Every year when the temps drop and the holidays creep up on us, something familiar starts taking shape outside the BJ’s in Brookfield. Out come the tents, the RVs, the layers of hoodies and jackets, and of course, the I-95 crew settling in for a long weekend. That can only mean one thing: Camping for Cans has rolled back around.

This year’s event runs Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 23, and once again, we’re looking to the community to help us make a real impact for local families who need it.

This event is hands-down my favorite thing we do all year. It’s not just about collecting food or raising money — it’s the chance to spend three full days connecting with our listeners, friends, and neighbors right before Thanksgiving. I’ve been part of Camping for Cans for most of my adult life, and at this point, I honestly can’t picture November without it.

There’s something special about being surrounded by people who are all trying, in their own way, to make our community stronger. Watching that happen in real time does something for the soul — it’s the kind of warmth you can’t fake.

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So come join us this year. Make a donation, say hello, hang out for a few minutes. Every little bit helps, and the experience is worth it.

Plus, it's premium scarf weather.

What Camping for Cans Really Is

Camping for Cans is I-95’s annual marathon donation drive benefiting Hillside Food Outreach, an organization that has quietly—and consistently—been supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our area. Hillside focuses on delivering healthy, quality food directly to the homes of low-income residents, folks dealing with illness, people with disabilities, and anyone who simply can’t get to a regular food pantry.

They’re not just dropping off groceries; they’re improving health, offering access, teaching, listening, and giving people dignity in moments when they need it most.

Every dollar, can, or online donation collected throughout the weekend goes straight to Hillside’s mission. Nothing gets siphoned off elsewhere. It all stays local, supporting people right here at home.

How to Donate — Friday, November 21 to Sunday, November 23

We’ll be parked at:

BJ’s Wholesale
106 Federal Rd, Brookfield, CT

You can help out by donating:

• Non-perishable foods

• Cash

• Checks

• Online donations

Want to give digitally? CLICK HERE.

Hillside Food Outreach helps thousands of people every year, and the donations from this single weekend play a huge role in keeping their shelves stocked and their deliveries going through the winter months.

A Huge Thanks to This Year’s Partners

We couldn’t pull off this event without the businesses that step up and support it. Big thank-you to:

Dave’s RV
Lesser Evil
Durkin’s Inc
Mitchell Oil
Ives Bank
Michael’s Jewelers
Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast
United Rentals
Financial Guide Solutions
Metal Supermarkets

Come Join Us and Make a Difference

Download the I-95 app, keep us on throughout the weekend, and swing by BJ’s to say hello. Whether you’re donating one can or an entire trunk load, you’re helping people right here in our community. Your generosity powers Hillside’s mission and keeps this tradition meaningful year after year.

We’ll see you at Camping for Cans.