Scouting for Food returns November 7 and 14 to help feed families across the Shenandoah Valley. 2 hours ago November 6, 2026 Residents across the Shenandoah Valley will have an opportunity to help feed local families when Scouting America's annual Scouting for Food drive returns on November 7 and 14, 2026. Scout troops from the Shenandoah Area and Virginia Headwaters Councils will visit neighborhoods throughout the region to collect nonperishable food donations for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. The two-weekend effort begins Saturday, November 7, when Scouts distribute door hangers reminding residents about the upcoming collection. On Saturday, November 14, Scouts will return to participating neighborhoods to pick up donated food. Residents are encouraged to place bags or boxes of canned goods and other nonperishable items outside their front doors early that morning. The Food Bank's announcement requests donations by 9 a.m., although some local Scout councils recommend having items ready by 8 a.m. Residents should follow the instructions on their door hangers. The collected food will help stock pantries and provide meals for families facing hunger throughout central and western Virginia. What Foods Are Most Needed? The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank encourages residents to donate nutritious, shelf-stable foods, particularly items that provide protein and support healthy meals. Most-needed donations include peanut butter, canned meats and fish, beans, pasta, rice, whole-grain cereals, canned vegetables, and fruit packed in juice. The Food Bank particularly welcomes foods that are high in protein, low in sodium, low in added sugar, and made with whole grains. All donations should be unopened and nonperishable. The Food Bank does not accept glass containers, and residents should avoid donating foods that require refrigeration. Even a small bag of groceries can help provide meals for someone struggling to afford enough food. More Than One Million Pounds Collected Since 2012 Scouting for Food has become one of the region's longstanding community service traditions. Since the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank began formally tracking donations in 2012, area Scouts have collected 1,035,671 pounds of food, along with monetary contributions that have helped provide approximately 899,149 meals. Last year's drive alone generated enough food and financial support to provide approximately 44,642 meals. The program gives young Scouts an opportunity to serve their communities while learning about the challenges faced by neighbors experiencing food insecurity. The annual effort reflects Scouting America's longtime slogan, "Do a Good Turn Daily." Participating Scouts help distribute reminders, collect donations, and deliver food to the organizations that serve people in need. Scouts can also earn a special recognition patch by reporting the weight of their collected donations and where the food was delivered. What If Scouts Don't Visit Your Neighborhood? Residents who don't receive a door hanger or miss the November 14 collection can still participate. You may deliver food donations directly to the nearest Blue Ridge Area Food Bank distribution center during regular business hours. For residents of Front Royal, Warren County, and the northern Shenandoah Valley, the nearest regional facility is: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank - Northern Region 1802 Roberts Street Winchester, VA 22601 Phone: 540-665-0770 The facility is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. When dropping off donations, residents should indicate that the contribution is for "Scouts" so the Scouting for Food campaign receives credit. Additional distribution centers are located in Verona, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. Financial Donations Also Make a Difference Those who cannot provide food donations can still support the campaign financially. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank accepts online contributions specifically designated for Scouting for Food at give.brafb.org/scouting. According to the Food Bank, every $1 donated helps provide more than three meals. Financial contributions allow the organization to purchase needed food, move supplies where demand is greatest, and help keep community pantries stocked. Helping Families Throughout the Region Founded in 1981, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization serving western and central Virginia. Its service area includes 25 counties and eight cities, with distribution centers in Winchester, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Verona. Through more than 300 community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other programs, the organization provides nutritious food to people who need assistance. The Food Bank reports an average of 178,700 guest visits each month across its service area. The Scouting for Food campaign comes at an important time of year, as families prepare for the holidays and local food assistance organizations work to meet continuing demand. For residents who want to help, participating can be as simple as setting aside a few cans of food and leaving them outside for collection. Scouting for Food dates: * Saturday, November 7: Scouts distribute door hangers in participating neighborhoods. * Saturday, November 14: Scouts collect food donations. Have items outside early and follow the pickup time on your door hanger. Related Topics: Front Royal, VA 6:45 am 5:07 pm EST Feels like: 57°F Wind: 3mph W Humidity: 93% Pressure: 29.89"Hg UV index: 0 Sat Sun Mon 57°F / 39°F 64°F / 45°F 61°F / 37°F

Central Georgia Council to host Stronger Together Gala honoring community leaders, educators, and youth servants. PRESS ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MACON, GA. - Thirteen community leaders, educators, and young people whose service and leadership are strengthening communities across Central Georgia will be recognized at the 2026 Stronger Together Gala hosted by the Central Georgia Council, Scouting America, on Thursday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Terminal Station in Macon. The gala will celebrate individuals who are making a difference through community service, educational excellence, and youth leadership while supporting the Council's mission to prepare young people for lives of character, service, and leadership. Honorees will receive the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award, the Elbert K. Fretwell Educator Award, and the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Youth Service Award. 2026 Gala Honorees Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award * Jeff Battcher * DuBose Porter * Dr. Keisha Callins * James Lunsford This award recognizes individuals whose leadership and community service expand opportunities for underserved youth and strengthen communities. Elbert K. Fretwell Educator Award * Kizzie Lott * Charm Mapp, Georgia Teacher of the Year * Brendan O'Kane * Kevin Smith This award honors educators whose commitment to teaching, mentorship, and character development positively shapes the lives of young people. Whitney M. Young, Jr. Youth Service Award * Londyn Rogers * London Ratliff * Caden Hill * Zachary Jones * Zachary Bloodworth This award celebrates young people who demonstrate outstanding leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to serving others and improving their communities. Investing in Central Georgia's Youth Proceeds from the Stronger Together Gala support the Council's efforts to expand access to Scouting, including financial assistance and scholarships for families facing economic barriers. The Central Georgia Council serves more than 2,300 youth and registered adult volunteers across 24 counties. Through character development, leadership training, outdoor education, STEM learning, and community service, Scouting prepares young people to become responsible citizens and future leaders. "Our honorees exemplify the spirit of service, leadership, and commitment to others that Scouting seeks to develop in every young person," said Garrett Williams, Scout Executive and CEO of the Central Georgia Council, Scouting America. "By recognizing their contributions and investing in our youth, we are helping build stronger communities and a brighter future for Central Georgia." EVENT DETAILS Event: 2026 Stronger Together Gala Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: The Historic Terminal Station Address: 200 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 About the Central Georgia Council, Scouting America The Central Georgia Council serves 24 counties, providing youth with opportunities to develop character, leadership, and citizenship through outdoor adventure, STEM education, and community service. Guided by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, the Council prepares young people to make ethical choices and become responsible, participating citizens and leaders. For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information: Garrett Williams Central Georgia Council, Scouting America (478) 235-1689 [email protected]

Recycling options expand through new City partnership. Oct 15, 2026 Bartlesville residents have new and expanded options for recycling, thanks to a partnership between the City of Bartlesville and Cherokee Area Council No. 469, Scouting America. The partnership builds on an existing recycling program operated by the Scouts and provides convenient, 24-hour recycling drop-off locations for residents. The City is supporting the effort through funding, infrastructure improvements, public education and other resources. Where to Recycle Cherokee Area Council Recycling Center 520 S. Quapaw Accepted materials include: * Plastics #1, #2 and #5 * Aluminum cans * Steel cans * Cardboard * Paper * Clothing, shoes and purses 1128 Adams Recycling & Activity Center 1128 Adams Blvd. Accepted materials include: * Glass * Plastic shopping bags The 1128 Adams Recycling & Activity Center serves as a drop-off location for glass and plastic shopping bags. The two locations are directly across the street from one another and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no fee for residents to use the drop-off sites. "The continued growth and success of local recycling is a result of local partners working together," said Cherokee Area Council Scout Executive Philip Wright. "It also relies on the cooperation of everyone to drop off only items designated and to work together to prevent trash and debris." Residents are encouraged to prepare materials properly before dropping them off. Cardboard should be clean, flattened and no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, and recyclable containers should be emptied and rinsed whenever possible. Only materials specifically listed as accepted should be placed at the recycling sites. No batteries of any kind are accepted. Clothing, shoes, and purses collected at the Quapaw location benefit the Lighthouse Outreach Center. Plastic shopping bags collected at the Adams Boulevard location are provided to Agape Mission for use in its Food-for-Kids Program, which helps provide weekend food assistance to local students. Please donate only clean, hole-free bags so they can be safely reused to carry food. Get the Details The City has created an updated recycling webpage with information about drop-off locations, accepted materials, preparation guidelines and frequently asked questions. Learn more about Recycling Services in Bartlesville. The City and Cherokee Area Council will continue evaluating the program and exploring opportunities to expand recycling services in the future. For further information, contact the Cherokee Area Council at 918.336.9170 or email [email protected]. City beat signup.