The Western Maryland Food Bank is reaching out to area residents with its 22nd annual Bags of Plenty Food Drive that will help to stock its shelves in preparation for the holiday season.

The Times-News will include bags in the Wednesday edition that is distributed in Allegany County, but you don’t have to have one to participate. The only real requirement is a measure of compassion for those less-fortunate families who rely on food banks and other means to make ends meet.

This year’s Bags of Plenty campaign is 20,000 pounds, and several location points in Allegany County will accept nonperishable food items through Nov. 25.

While all food donations are welcome, “meal components” are especially desirable — including spaghetti and sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, and peanut butter and jelly. Demand for canned goods is especially strong in November and December.

The food bank also welcomes cash donations in the form of checks sent to the food bank at PO Box 243, Cumberland, MD 21501-0243. Donations may be made online at www.wmdfoodbank.org.

Food may be dropped off at these locations, and you don’t have to be an Allegany County resident to help:

• Cresaptown — Food Lion and Dollar General.

• Cumberland — Greene Street Dollar General, Farley’s Foodland, City Central Fire Station, Martin’s Market, Mor for Less on Queen City Drive and in White Oaks, Save-A-Lot, Western Maryland Food Bank, 816 Frederick St.

• Ellerslie — Mr. T’s Mini Mart.

• Frostburg — Dollar General, Food Lion.

• LaVale — Dollar General, Martin’s Market and WalMart.

• Westernport — Dollar General and Kenny’s Market.

• Lonaconing — Love’s Market.

For more information, call the food bank at (301)722-2797.