Keystone Opportunity Center gears up for two fall community food drives

Keystone Opportunity Center (KOC) has announced two upcoming food drives, Cranksgiving and Scouting for Food, that will support the local community in Keystone’s fight against hunger.

These events, organized by Scooters Bike Shop and Boys Scouts of America, aim to collect a large amount of non-perishable food items for KOC’s food pantry. The nonprofit is seeking volunteers to help ensure their success, said a KOC press release.

The first food drive will be “Cranksgiving” on November 2. Organized by the Scooters Bike Shop in Souderton, the event brings together local cyclists who race through the streets and stop at designated stores to purchase food for Keystone Opportunity Center’s food pantry. The race will see participants pick up groceries at Landis Food Store, which will be transported to KOC for sorting and shelving.

Volunteers will be needed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Keystone Opportunity Center food pantry on the day of the event. Volunteers will assist with unloading, weighing, organizing, and shelving the donated food items. Families and individuals are encouraged to participate, and no prior experience is required. Volunteers can sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4BA8A722A0FBC70-51544592-cranksgiving#/.

The second food drive will be “Scouting for Food” on November 16. Organized by the Boy Scouts of America, the event is one of the nation’s largest food drives. Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Venturers will collect food donations to benefit KOC’s food pantry, delivering items to multiple drop-off locations in Souderton throughout the day. Last year, local Boy Scout troops collected and donated 17,000 pounds of food to Keystone for neighbors in need, said the release.

Volunteers will be needed from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at multiple collection sites across Souderton on the day of the event. (Flexible shifts are available. See the sign-up form for more details.) Volunteers will assist at three collection sites, helping receive, sort and organize food donations. Volunteers can work the full day or sign up for shifts. To volunteer, register at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4BA8A722A0FBC70-51731626-scouting#/.

For more information about these events and how to get involved with Keystone Opportunity Center, visit www.keystoneopportunity.org.

Keystone Opportunity Center, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Souderton, is a nonprofit human services organization that annually supports more than 5000 families and individuals in need through a comprehensive array of social services that educate, encourage, and empower them to become self-sufficient members of their community. Programs and services include housing the homeless, combatting food insecurity, and providing free comprehensive adult education services.