The Octorara Area Food Cupboard (OAFC), 714 Main St., Parkesburg, is in urgent need of nonperishable food donations, as well as local groups that are willing to conduct food drives for the organization.

OAFC, which serves individuals and families in need in the greater Octorara area, accepts donations during its operating hours, which are on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

"Cereal, boxed pasta, spaghetti sauce and stuffing are the biggest needs," said OAFC director Judy Dougherty, noting that other needed donations include pancake syrup, cake mixes, brownie mixes and crackers for soup.

Local gardeners are also invited to donate harvested vegetables to the food bank throughout the summer. "We would like the fresh stuff to come in on Tuesdays, which gives us two days to (distribute) it," Dougherty noted.

Those who are unable to drop off donations during the pantry's hours of operation may bring donations to Flowers in Bloom, 213 Main St., Parkesburg, and Hershey Motors, 3370 E. Lincoln Highway, Parkesburg, which is located at the intersection of routes 10 and 30.

The cupboard receives some food from the Chester County Food Bank, but it relies on donations of products and monetary donations. Dougherty reported that she recently had to purchase food from Walmart because of the lack of food on the cupboard's shelves.

Additionally, Dougherty noted that no food drives, which are more prevalent during the holiday season, are currently scheduled. "We have not been able to get food drives lined up. That is what we are missing," she said. "We have more clients and less product."

Current and new clients seeking assistance are asked to bring in appropriate paperwork to register for food. "In July, all clients will have to (re-register)," she said. "What we need is a photo ID and a piece of mail that has their address on it, and they can sign up."

Right now, food is distributed in a drive-through format, but beginning in September, clients will be served inside the building.

The Octorara Area Food Cupboard is also seeking volunteers. "No one is paid; everyone is a volunteer," said Dougherty. "Volunteers are needed especially because it's summertime and people go away for vacation. I need a call list for people to come in."

For more information about the OAFC, call 610-857-4000 or visit http://www.octfood.com or http://www.facebook.com/OctoraraAreaFoodCupboard. Those who would like to coordinate a food drive should contact Dougherty in advance at OAFC424@comcast.net. Financial donations are accepted on the website by clicking on the Donate button.