CROMWELL - Over the Halloween weekend in Cromwell, there were plenty of costumed youngsters showing up at front doors, holding out bags and buckets to stock up on sweets. That same weekend, many residents also found a yellow plastic bag delivered to their door.

       The annual Scouting for Food kicked off last weekend, Oct. 31, and Cromwell Scouts headed door-to-door to drop off their signature plastic yellow bags to collect for the Cromwell Food Pantry during this crucial time of year for residents in need. And giving couldn’t be more convenient: After having distributed the bags around town, the Scouts will get to work this coming weekend, Nov. 7 and 8, picking them up. Simply put the bag of donations in your driveway near the street and the Scouts will come by to collect.

       Any bit helps, says Scout leader Lauren Kaminski, who has organized the Scounting for Food event for several years.

       â€�"Even a single can from every single house can make a big difference,” she said. â€�"Please don’t leave these bags hanging on your mailbox for months to come—if everybody did something we’d have a lot more to run with.”

       The food pantry is constantly working to keep supplies in stock for residents in need of its services.

       â€�"What people just don’t realize is how many people use this,” said Kaminski. â€�"Even those who haven’t used it before, during that uncertain time between jobs or during a divorce, you never know when you’re going to need it.”

       Kaminski encourages residents to consider what their families like to eat or need on a daily basis when donating. Non-perishable food items, including snacks, as well as toiletries and pet items are greatly appreciated at the food pantry.

       â€�"Next time you’re at the store just get a few things that are buy one, get one,” she said.

       Anyone can also drop off donated items in the Scout Hut near the entrance to Watrous Park, at the food pantry in Town Hall, or call Kaminski at 860-930-7650 to arrange for pick-up.

       â€�"We just keep on doing our best,” Kaminski said. â€�"If you’re in a neighborhood that doesn’t receive a bag, feel free to put out a bag by the street and we’ll come pick it up.”