Coming up on Saturday, Nov. 1, local Scouts will be distributing empty bags around Oakdale, with a plan to pick them up the following weekend.

“Our cub scouts will be joined by the older scouts from Scout Troop 365, Troop 43 and the cub scouts from the newly formed Pack 43 so it will be a great event with us all joining forces for good,” said Deirdre Baker, who is helping coordinate the effort. “On November 1 we will be dropping off empty grocery bags around the neighborhoods in Oakdale and returning the following Saturday, November 8 to pick up these bags.”

Scouts hope to see the bags packed with non-perishable food items by residents.

“All donations go to the Oakdale Community Sharing Christian Center and Food Pantry,” added Baker.

Over the past few years, the Scouting For Food effort has resulted in the collection of thousands of pounds of food to help those in need in the local area.

In 2021, Baker said, the collection was 5,400 pounds, followed by 3,200 pounds in 2022; 4,640 pounds in 2023; and 5,670 pounds in 2024.

Baker said organizers are hoping that “our wonderful community can help us beat our amazing record last year meaning even more families in our community will not experience hunger, thanks to this community’s support.”

Residents are encouraged to participate by filling the grocery bag with non-perishable food items and placing it in a visible spot near their sidewalk or porch by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 for Scouts to collect.

“This service project, and the many others Cub Scout Pack 365 participates in, is one of the main reasons I signed up my children for scouts,” Baker said of the opportunity for community service and helping others. “Our pack and the troops are always open for new children to join.”

Those wishing to learn more or ask questions can email familypack365@gmail.com.

The campaign is also supported by local partners Raley’s and Save Mart, which have donated the grocery bags to be used in the drive.