As part of an ongoing effort to provide food to people in need as well as to raise awareness about its mission, Cherie Myers, new director of the Octorara Area Food Cupboard (OAFC), held a food drive recently at Dutch-Way Farm Market in Gap. She was accompanied by her granddaughter Kyla Ash.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 22, Myers and Kyla were stationed in the lobby of the market. Shoppers were offered a list of items needed by the OAFC as they entered the store, and the donations were collected as shoppers exited the store. As donations came in, they were placed in the OAFC trailer, which was parked outside.

The food products on the list were canned pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter and jelly, syrup, condiments, salad dressing, canned fruit, applesauce and heat-and-serve soups.

Shoppers responded positively to the food drive. "People have been very generous," said Myers.

"People bought two or three bags and big jars of things," added Kyla, who is a student at Octorara Junior-Senior High School.

Myers said that she also hopes the food drive helped people learn about the OAFC. "It was a way for me to get out in the community," she said. "I have seen several people I know so far."

The OAFC serves all of the Octorara Area School District as well as residents of the Pomeroy, Sadsburyville, Compass, Wagontown, Doe Run, Gum Tree and Ercildoun areas. Existing clients must complete paperwork - which includes providing proof of residency - every July, and first-time clients can register when they arrive.

The OAFC is always in need of nonperishable food donations. Each month, the OAFC posts a list of needed items on its website, http://www.octfood.com. For April, the list includes canned red beets, fruit and vegetable soup; macaroni; and boxed pasta.

Volunteers are also needed to complete a variety of tasks at the OAFC, including receiving and sorting incoming donations, stocking shelves, assisting food pantry clients, packaging and cleaning up. The OAFC is also seeking a volunteer part-time bookkeeper as well as businesses or organizations that are willing to host a food drive.

For more information, call 610-857-4000 or email oafc424@gmail.com. More information about the food bank is available at the previously mentioned website or http://www.facebook.com/OctoraraAreaFoodCupboard.

The OAFC is located at 714 W. Main St., Parkesburg, next to The Parkesburg POINT Youth Center. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 2 to 3:45 p.m.