Cans of food clanked across the floor, boxes of Cheerios flew through the air and a bag of navy beans broke on impact, generating sounds of a percussive symphony at The Salvation Army on Saturday.

All the noise was made possible by 16 Lawrence Boy Scout units who collected about 3,500 pounds of food for the needy.

Scouts picked up about 7,200 nonperishable food items from the porches of Lawrence residents Saturday morning, said David Berkowitz, communications spokesman.

Beginning March 19, Boy Scouts distributed fliers and plastic bags at several Lawrence homes asking for donations. On Saturday, the scouts collected the food and took it to The Salvation Army, 946 N.H.

Community volunteers acted as a well-oiled machine, quickly sorting the food and packing it into boxes to be distributed to six Lawrence food pantries.

“It’s a good feeling to help other people out,” said Aaron Johnstun, one of eight KU law school students who assisted.

In its 20th year, the “Scouting for Food” drive is intended to teach members the importance of giving back.

“It helps them to be aware that there are a lot of people in the world that need help,” said Dennis Christilles, a father and den leader who dropped off two plastic bags of food with his son, Noah.

“I just like knowing that I’m helping people,” said John Hambleton, 13, who volunteered for community service credit toward his next Boy Scout rank. “They’re really going to appreciate it because that’s the only way they can really get their food.”