Boy Scout Troop 209 is holding its second annual food drive to assist those facing food insecurity.

Palmerton residents are asked to place bagged donations at their front door on Saturday, and Boy Scout Troop 209 will pick them up between noon and 2 p.m.

Anyone outside of the Borough of Palmerton may stop at the bandstand in the Palmerton Park and drop off their donations until 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Items needed include canned food, hygiene items, bottled drinks, and dry cereals.

All donations will be taken to the Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches food pantry and will feed local families. No expired or perishable items please.

Matt Miles, committee chair and assistant scout master, said there is a high demand for donations this time of year.

“We decided that normal scouting for food runs in November, and in speaking with (Palmerton Food Pantry co-director) Susie Arner, she had said there is a much greater need in the springtime (because) a lot of the donations that came in during the holidays are gone,” Miles said.

“It’s to get the food bank built up; this helps them build them up for the summer.”

Miles said anyone who wishes to make cash or check donations may contact the Palmerton Food Bank directly.

“We’re glad to help out,” he said. “Everything stays local; nothing goes outside of our community here.”