Their numbers might be lower this year, but that doesn’t mean the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Union County aren’t aiming high.

They were out in force last Saturday getting the word out and they’ll be back this weekend, Saturday, Nov. 14, Scouting for Food.

The Scouting for Food Campaign asks for food donations that will help those in need. Scouts and venturers will be out from about 9 a.m.-11 a.m. going door to door — where they can — to collect donations that will be taken to the Union County Department of Social Services in Union. From there, DSS officials will give the food to people who qualify to receive the donations.

And according to Union County campaign chair and Boy Scout Troop 42 committee chairperson Karla Rector, the need is growing.

“This year there is a greater need in Union due to our record unemployment,” she said. “There’s just a big need in Union right now.”

The Scouts are hoping to help more people this year. They want to break last year’s total of more than 3,000 pounds of food collected.

But to do that, they need everyone’s help.

They tried to put out more door hangers this year throughout Union and the surrounding areas last weekend to let people know they would be coming around to collect donations, but with lower numbers of troops they have changed their tactics a little.

“For homes we do not reach, we will have a food drop off from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the DSS office,” Rector said.

Scouts will be collecting door-to-door in Union and Buffalo.

But anyone who did not receive a door hanger or anyone who would like to help the Scouts and donate food is encouraged to take their donations to the DSS office at 200 S. Mountain St. in Union. Rector will be there to collect them.

All food and any other nonperishable items Scouts collect will be stored at the DSS office and stays right here in Union County. Rector and the Scouts hope people from all over the county get involved on Saturday, even if a Scout doesn’t come to their door.

The campaign used to only collect canned goods, but has expanded to include any nonperishable items which means all foods are fine to put in a bag and set outside the door except fresh produce and fresh meat. Rector added if people would like to donate items like paper plates, paper towels or others with the food Scouts will accept those as well.

“We take anything people will give us,” she said.

The bags or boxes being donated should be placed outside, clearly visible to the Scouts who will be picking them up.

Rector wants the people of Union County to join together to help those in need around the community and said Scouting for Food helps the Scouts involved learn about being a part of their community.

“This is a way to teach our young men to be involved in their communities,” she said.

And if the public takes a page from the Scouts’ play book, this year will be a great success. After all, Scouts are taught that it’s not about them.

“A Scout is never suppose to put himself first,” Rector said.

FOOD DROP OFF:

• This year’s Scouting for Food Campaign in Union County will include a food drop off at the Union County Department of Social Services office at 200 S. Mountain St. in Union. Anyone who did not receive a door hanger last Saturday or anyone who would like to donate nonperishable food items to the Scouts’ food drive is encouraged to bring their donations to the office between 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

FOR MORE INFO:

• If you need additional information or have any questions about Scouting for Food or even becoming involved with the Boy Scouts or Cub Scouts, call Karla Rector at (864) 427-1752.