Scouting for Food is an annual effort during which Scouts collect nonperishable food items for local food banks and pantries. For the effort, which generally takes place over two consecutive weekends, Scouts distribute informational door hangers on the first weekend and return to collect donated canned and boxed goods on the second weekend. The program is designed to help local families in need while teaching Scouts about community service and leadership.

Locally, Boy Scouts from Parkesburg Troop 135 and boy and girls from Cub Scout Pack 135 took part in the program, collecting food for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard (OAFC). The Scouts placed the door hangers on homes in Parkesburg on Nov. 8 and then collected the food and delivered it to the pantry on Nov. 15.

"We had flyers that we distributed to all the houses in Parkesburg," explained Scoutmaster Russell Bishop. "It contained all the information (residents) needed so they would be ready for us to come back."

Scouting for Food started in 1985 and was initiated by a Scoutmaster in New Jersey. "I think 2012 was the first year that we canvassed the town," said Bishop of the local participation. "Initially, we did not get a big haul the first couple of years, but it's gotten larger every year." He reported that last year the Scouts collected 2,445 pounds of food. This year's haul weighed 2,294 pounds.

About 20 Scouts from the Parkesburg troops took part in collecting the food, along with adult leaders and family members. "We make sure that we have an adult leader with each group that we send out," Bishop said. "We meet at Minch Park in the morning. The park has a nice flag that was put in a couple of years ago by one of our members for his Eagle Scout Project, so we start there. I had maps, and we divide (up the neighborhoods) and go out and cover the area."

After the Scouts unloaded the nonperishable food items, OAFC director Cherie Myers and OAFC volunteers sorted the items and prepared them for distribution to pantry clients.

Also participating in the effort were Boy Scouts and volunteers from Atglen Troop 20. Pack 20 contributed 1,547 individual items weighing 1,491 pounds.

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 November, the list includes mashed potatoes, canned fruit, boxed pasta, gravy and peanut butter. December's needs are sauerkraut, hearty soups, soup crackers, canned fruit and canned meat.

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 interested in learning about 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.