Story By Katie Hightower

From Oct. 1 through Oct. 17, Scottsboro’s First United Methodist Church is competing against Arab’s FUMC in a friendly food drive competition. For the past three years, the churches have competed to see which congregation could collect the most canned and non-perishable foods prior to the Scottsboro vs. Arab football game. 

The losing pastor of the competition will have to wear the other team’s colors at the Scottsboro vs. Arab football game and make a personal donation to the rival church’s food pantry. 

In a press release, Rev. Corey Burns said, “Help us out! I don’t want to wear those gaudy Arab Colors! Let’s make sure Pastor Henry is decked out in black and gold when the Knights host the Wildcats in a couple of weeks!”

In 2023, Arab won the first competition and in 2024, Scottsboro won the second. Burns said that Scottsboro’s win brought in 1148 items for their food pantry. 

Both Scottsboro and Arab’s FUMC food pantries fed countless members of the community who faced food insecurity. The competition was created as a fun way to benefit those people and keep them from having to go without needed goods. 

In a press release, Rev. Corey Burns said, “This is more than bragging rights. It’s about living out our calling as United Methodists to serve our communities with compassion and generosity. The competition just makes it fun for everyone.”

Those interested in contributing to the food drive can drop off canned and non-perishable food items at the Scottsboro First United Methodist Church’s office Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Donations will also be accepted during worship services. For more information on how to contribute, please call the First United Methodist Church’s office at (256) 574-2545.