Congregation members from Penningtonville Presbyterian Church recently conducted a food drive at Dutch-Way Farm Market in Gap, where they collected nonperishable food items for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard (OAFC).

As part of the effort, shoppers were provided with a list of needed items when they entered the store, and they were able to drop off their donations as they exited.

"We try to do this a couple of times a year. Dutch-Way allows one (food drive) per month, so you have to schedule it," explained congregation member Pat Softchin, adding that the OAFC trailer was on hand to carry the donated items back to the food cupboard.

The church volunteers also accepted monetary donations for the OAFC and provided information about the services that it provides. Softchin reported that the church volunteers collected 524 pounds of food and $159 in donations.

The OAFC is always in need of nonperishable food items. Each month, the OAFC posts a list of needed items on its website, http://www.octfood.com. For August, the list includes peanut butter and jelly, crackers, soup and canned fruit. For more information about donating, call 610-857-4000 or email oafc424@gmail.com.

The group also announced the church is continuing its annual SPARK in the Park summer program on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Atglen Community Park, 400 Ridge Ave., Atglen. The next scheduled event will be on Aug. 6.

"We had a water slide in July, and we had well over 100 people - kids and families," Softchin pointed out. "August will be open mic."

All performers are welcome, including singers, dancers and those who play the guitar and other instruments.

SPARK in the Park is open to everyone, not just church members. "It's a community outreach," Softchin added.

The church's final SPARK in the Park program for this year will be on Sept. 3. Attendees will be able to paint a picture and take it home.

In the case of rain, cancellation information will be posted on the church's website and Facebook page. The events are free, but a freewill offering is received.

Penningtonville Presbyterian Church is located at 406 Main St., Atglen. For more information, call 610-593-2173 or visit www.penningtonvillechurch.org or http://www.facebook.com/PenningtonvillePC.