The Greater Haverhill Hunger Roundtable will conduct the annual Betsy Conte Food Drive during the VFW Santa Parade on Sunday, Nov. 22, in Haverhill. The drive celebrates the memory of Conte, a former Haverhill city councilor and community activist.

Food drive volunteers donate all items collected during the parade to six food pantries that serve needy residents in Haverhill.

"The need for donated food has increased dramatically this year as many local food pantries have seen their caseload increase by up to 50 percent," said Bill LaPierre, co-chairman of the Greater Haverhill Hunger Roundtable.

Spectators are encouraged to bring nonperishable food item to the parade, which begins at 1 p.m. Paper and hygiene products are also needed.

Donated items are placed on wagons pulled by Haverhill Cub Scout Pack No. 27, who bring the food to large farm wagons where it is sorted. At the end of the parade all the donated food is brought to the Salvation Army where it is prepared for distribution to area food pantries.

Heavy duty bags with handles, provided by Pentucket Bank, are available at E-Z Way Cleaners, Pentucket Bank, Haverhill Beef, Community Action, Haverhill Public Library and other area businesses. Residents who wish to donate food may use these heavy-duty bags or their own bags or boxes on the day of the parade. All donations will be accepted.

For more information, call LaPierre at 978-373-1281 or Elaine Miller at 978-373-1971.