Community Action Services and Food Bank in Provo has received a generous amount of donations this season, but residents are still strongly encouraged to bring what they can, a member of the organization said.

Boosted by the 408,000 pounds of food brought in by the Boy Scout food drive on Nov. 8, many residents throughout Utah County have been helped by the charitable efforts of their neighbors, CAS communications director Erica Hone said.

"That [the Boy Scout food drive] was a huge help," she said. "Without that, [the food bank] would still be empty."

The food might last through the end of December, Hone said, but further donations are encouraged because of the continued need in Utah County.

Fortunately, help is on the way.

On Dec. 6, church congregations will undertake a statewide "Alliance for Unity" food drive, Hone said. Residents may place food items outside their doors before 8 a.m. that day. In March, the Boy Scouts will conduct another food drive. Additionally, food and money donations can be made to the food bank at any time, Hone said.

"Without those donations and the community's help, we wouldn't be where we are and we would be turning people away," she said.

The rivalry football game that took place between BYU and the University of Utah on Saturday also helped raise food and money for the food bank. Total donations raised through the BYU-Utah Food Fight won't be known until after Thanksgiving, Hone said, adding that they hoped to have those figures on Monday.

Along with providing much-needed food to members of the community, the food bank is also leading interactive family activities on Mondays and Tuesdays at 7 p.m. The program, "Kids Who Care," provides education on poverty, a tour of the food bank and opportunities to give service. Two nights a week, about five families gather for about an hour for the activity.

Non-perishable food items and some non-food items, such as toilet paper and toothpaste, can be taken to the food bank at 815 S. Freedom Blvd. in Provo. There are also drop-off areas for the food bank at Smith's grocery stores and Jiffy Lube.

For a list of recommended items to donate, compiled by food bank manager Jim Thomas, visit www.communityactionprovo.org/ and click on "How to Give." For more information about the food bank and its programs, call 373-8200. Kids Who Care is currently booked through the end of the calendar year.

• Sam Scorup can be reached at 344-2561 or at sscorup@heraldextra.com