The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Cathlamet's Main Street merchants this week began a holiday season food collection drive to benefit the county's food banks.

The first collection will end November 19, with all donations going to the Wahkiakum Lions Club, which will conduct its annual Walk and Knock Food Drive.

The collection will begin again for distribution to the food banks throughout the holiday season.

Participating merchants will have a large turkey logo on their door or window. Customers or donors may leave cans or other packaged food items at the businesses for collection.

Merchants and other members of the Cathlamet Chamber of Commerce are also planning the annual Cathlamet Holiday Lighting Festival and the Festival of Trees, which will feature the lighting of the community tree, a visit from Santa Claus and the display of decorated trees.