ULSTER, N.Y. -- Area boy scouts and thousands of other volunteers are getting into the holiday spirit.

Dozens of people are helping regional Ulster and Greene County Food Banks to collect food for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

They packed 80,000 non-perishable food items at the UPS facility in the Town of Ulster on Saturday. The bags were distributed to several houses last weekend.

Len Cleveland, the chairman of the food collection event, says it's important to remember there are always people in need in our area.

"I know a lot of people have donated to people who are suffering in Florida and Texas areas, and Puerto Rico, but local people need help, too," Cleveland said.

Cleveland says six local food pantries in Greene and Ulster County will be receiving these donations.