Girl Scout Service Unit 728 of Palmerton held its annual “Souperbowl” event this past weekend for the benefit of the local Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches food pantry.

From Friday through Sunday, various Girl Scouts and parents took turns standing outside Country Harvest in Palmerton accepting food donations from local shoppers.

Donations included cans of soup, fruits, vegetables and miscellaneous food items such as cereal, applesauce and peanut butter as well.

All of the donations will benefit the food pantry of the CACPAC, an organization of churches dedicated to helping people in need throughout the local area.

Mother Victoria Blodgett and daughter Nevaeh Blodgett were among the many people who helped run the collection event.

Nevaeh’s mother said the Souperbowl event has been one of the few events that the service unit has been able to participate in since the pandemic began.

So far, COVID-19 has had a large impact on the unit’s ability to host group meetings and earn badges.

Even the usual cookie sales have faced problems.

Blodgett said, “The girls haven’t been able to really be out doing their cookie sales this year because we’re doing a lot of them online instead of setting up cookie booths. We are trying to get in some cookie booths so we can get more sales, but it’s been a little difficult this year. A lot of things have changed.”

Blodgett said there had been many shoppers at the grocery store on Saturday though, and many donations had been received.

“I think this is so awesome that they’re doing this. This is the first year that I’ve participated in this and it’s been amazing. We’ve had so many donations and cash donations. It’s been absolutely incredible.”

Blodgett’s daughter, 12-year-old Nevaeh, is in her second year of Girl Scouts and said her participation in the food drive will go toward a community service badge.

She explained the importance of donating, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think people should donate because we’re going through a hard time and all and people get out and get food but a lot of people don’t have money like that so I think that’s why we’re doing this. People are going through a difficult time and they need the help,” Nevaeh said.

Donor Wanda Kern of Walnutport said, “There’s many people that are in great need and they’re suffering because of the pandemic and I’m very blessed with what I have so I like to help other people and share what I can.”

Overall, the collection event not only contributed to the earning of badges, but the satisfaction of making a difference in the local community during such unprecedented times.