Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry City of Warren Firefighters, and members of International Association of Firefighters Local 1835, (left) Jason Schott and Andy Moore are ready for the annual boot drive, to be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, to benefit the Beaty-Warren Middle School and Warren Area High School food pantries.

It’s time for the annual boot drive.

Members of International Association of Firefighters Local 1835 in Warren, and volunteers, will be at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Liberty Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18.

Donations put in the boots will benefit the food pantries at Beaty-Warren Middle School and Warren Area High School.

“We’ve used the money to give kids in need five items from the pantry once a week,” volunteer Jen Lynds said.

The pantries include more than food. Students may select shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, or other toiletries in addition to food items.

Some food items are purchased through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Generally, the kinds of foods available for students are “eat-on-the-run” items, Lynds said.

“We also have a clothing pantry,” Lynds said.

The boot drive effort supplements middle and high school resources that help students after other time out after fifth grade.

“We saw there was a need after elementary school,” Lynds said. “The backpack program is offered through fifth grade. After fifth grade, that doesn’t mean the need’s not there.”