Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street, is set to host a display of scarecrows and painted pumpkins for community members to enjoy on Saturday and Sunday, October 23-24. The seasonal display will be presented from 9 am to 5 pm both days.

The effort is part of the Annual Scarecrow and Painted Pumpkin Event, and in lieu of the typical financial donations for local charities, the public this year is being asked to bring items to donate to FAITH Food Pantry.

The NMS Eighth Grade Scarecrow Contest started in 1996. Since then, students have continued to design larger-than-life scarecrows that can withstand Mother Nature. Normally, $1 votes for a favorite scarecrow by community members raise money for charities chosen by the top three winning scarecrow creators. This year, that will not happen.

Instead, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in place of a money collection for entry votes, the decision was made to ask for donations for FAITH Food Pantry. Voting will still be conducted that weekend.

For this year’s effort eighth grade art enrichment students are welcome to work in groups, with parent permission, to create the scarecrows. The Painted Pumpkin Patch, which started last year as a COVID-19-friendly alternative, will continue for single entries and is open to all students.

The students receive 16 hours of community service for completing the scarecrow project and six hours of community service for completing a painted pumpkin.

The school announced suggested items to donate to FAITH Food Pantry include beef stew, canned chili, sloppy joe mix, baked beans, canned tomatoes, pasta and sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, rice and packaged rice dishes, coffee and tea, peanut butter, jelly, cookies, crackers, cereals, bottled juices, baking mixes, pet food, toiletries, toilet paper, soaps, and detergents.

FAITH Food Pantry asks that items not be expired and not be large bulk items.

Education Reporter Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.