Photo submitted to the Times Observer Scouts gather on Scouting for Food collection day on Nov. 11. Shown, left to right, top row, Billy Nicholson, Isaac Zapel and Aaron Gausman; middle row, Averyanna Salapek, Faith Stewart, Lilyanna Berkhous, Andrew Gausman, Aleah Banks and Addison Slagle; and bottom row, Lloyd Pepperman, Paiton Stewart, Zachary Wygant, Grayson Zapel, Troy Reitz, Brendan Zapel and Connor Zapel.

North Warren scouts collected more than a thousand food items for the North Warren Presbyterian Church recently.

Boy and Cub Scouts in Troop and Pack 13 collected items as part of Boy Scouts of America’s annual Scouting for Food Drive. Each year, scouts nationwide collect non-perishable items for local food pantries and hunger-relief agencies. The event has collected millions of pounds of food since its inception in 1985. Scouts leave bags, notes and, in some locations, door hangers out asking residents to donate to fight hunger.

This year, local scouts distributed bags on Nov. 11 and picked up items from those who chose to donate on Nov. 14.

Locally, Cub Scouts collected 595 items. The Boy Scouts collected 621 items.

Items will now be delivered to North Warren Presbyterian Church for distribution.

The groups have been participating in Scouting for Food since 1985.

“Scouting for Food… is a staple of scouting and a great way for the scouts to learn about helping their neighbors and communities,” scout Leader Brian Salapek said.