Local scouts in Dawson County took time out in March and April to collect food for a local charity that provides for those in need.

Most recently, about 50 Girl Scouts dropped off nearly 250 pounds of food at RIC Rack Thrift Store and Food Pantry last week.

Joan Bishop, Girl Scouts troop advisor, said the “girls realize the importance of something like this, especially in light of economic times.”

Seven troops of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts last month also pooled their efforts and collected 539 pounds total.

The local food pantry feeds around 300 in need every month, giving out anywhere from 12,000 to 14,000 pounds of food.

Workers at RIC Rack rely on donations from the community.

Bishop said giving to the local organization is “one of many great projects these girls do every year ... one of our main purposes is community service.”

RIC Rack Food Pantry is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

For more information, call (706) 265-1371.