For their annual bag pick-up day, Boy Scouts saw an outpouring of generosity from the community, seeing an increase in canned goods from some regions.

Scouts in the region went from house to house Saturday to pick up canned goods from the community. The children left grocery bags at resi-dences on Saturday, Nov. 14, to be filled with goods that can be used for hot meals for need families during the winter months.

Trina Thomas, publicity chairperson and cub master for the Kaskaskia District, said the scouts were able to bring in about 10,000 cans from the Carbondale area, 3,000 more than last year. She said the children showed excellent initiative.

"The kids were inspired and really excited about getting out there," Tho-mas said.

Joe Mueller, director of public relations for Boy Scouts of America Greater St. Louis Area Council, said the drive has brought in about 39 million cans in 25 years, averaging two million a year. The drive supplies food pantries with 25 to 30 percent of their stock, he said. The scouts from the Greater St. Louis Area brought in 2.1 million cans this year, a 1.5 percent increase from 2008.

Mueller said in addition to helping out those in need, the drive has a good effect on the scouts who take part. He said there have been scouts from the past 25 years who have grown up to start similar services.

"There are so many stories like that where our young people have taken part in this drive and are now doing similar services for their communities," Mueller said.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

618-351-5804