Reed City Cub Scouts Pack 174 will be hosting their annual 'Scouting for Food Drive' until Dec. 22.

This community-wide event collects nonperishable items for local food pantries. This year, donations will go to the Osceola-Mecosta Project Starburst Food Pantry, who help struggling families, individuals, and homeless needing assistance.

"Area residents have always been so generous helping both the Pack and Troop with their non-perishable food donations in the past years," Russ Nehmer said. "This year only the Pack will have our collection boxes out at designated businesses. As the holiday season approaches, let’s continue to be mindful of those who may be struggling financially to put food on their tables."

Participants can bring non-expired items from the following: canned veggies, fruits, pasta, rice, beans, tuna, soup, cereal, mayonnaise, peanut butter, jelly, ketchup, mustard, pancake mix, and pancake syrup, cooking oil, toilet paper, baby wipes, baby food, or toiletries.

Collection boxes will be located at the following: West Michigan Credit Union, Huntington Bank, Lake-Osceola State Bank, Hometown Pharmacy, Edstrom’s Garage, Reed City Auto Sales, Lactalis USA/Yoplait, Ace Hardware, Toy Town, Pompeii’s, Family Dollar, Northland Area Federal Credit Union, Reed City Tire & Sales, Family Farm and Home, Fox Motors, VFW, IVY Rehab, CITGO/ Northend Meat & Produce, and Ebels General Store. 

"Scouting for Food Program is 39 years old and would not be possible without the support of area businesses and our wonderful residents," Nehmer said. "We thank you again for your support in this great community cause."

For more information or to make individual donations at the Scout House, contact: Pack 174 Cubmaster Suzanne Spaugh at 989-339-8556 or suzspaugh@yahoo.com and Russ Nehmer at 231-667-0555 or rwn01@hotmail.com.

_{Information courtesy of Reed City Cub Scouts.}