The SCV Food Pantry will collect food and sundry items this weekend at the SCV Community Expo starting Friday, Sept. 16 and continuing through Sunday, Sept. 18 at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex. The Sports Complex is located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway near the intersection of Golden Valley Road with access via the cross-valley connector.

Collection bins will be on site all three days. Suggested items include canned meats, beans, tomatoes, soup and fruit; dried products such as soups, pasta, rice, cereal, beans, milk; peanut butter; and personal care items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorant and feminine hygiene products.

The SCV Food Pantry will be one of more than 100 exhibitors representing Santa Clarita Valley businesses and nonprofit organizations. The SCV Community Expo spans two exhibit halls and an outdoor exhibit area at the Sports Complex occupying the Activities Center, Gymnasium and adjacent parking lots. Expo is presented by the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce in association with the City of Santa Clarita.

Admission to Expo is free on Saturday and Sunday, along with free parking, and complimentary shuttle service from expanded parking areas. Live entertainment on stage throughout the weekend.

Expo begins with Taste of Expo on Friday, Sept. 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Santa Clarita’s largest business mixer and networking event, featuring up to 30 of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers. Photo Touch Booth will be on hand to provide complimentary commemorative photos. Exhibit halls will be open and live entertainment on the outdoor stage. Cost for admission is $20 and includes 10 food and drink tickets. Additional tickets are available for purchase.

Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. is Family Fun Day providing for a non-stop weekend of fun and excitement featuring games provided by Mad Dog Party, activities and entertainment geared toward Santa Clarita families. Information related to entry, middle and upper level opportunities will be available at the College of the Canyons Fall 2011 Job, Career and Intern Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free flu shots for senior citizens and qualified caregivers will be available on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., administered by medical staff courtesy of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital.

The inaugural Expo Beer Garden and Food Truck Fest debuts on Sunday, Sept 18. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admittance to the Beer Garden requires an event wristband available for $3; must be age 21 or over. There’s no charge for access to food trucks, games or exhibit halls.

Whether browsing the exhibit halls, meeting local business representatives, searching for tchotchkes and giveaways, or enjoying food, drink and entertainment, attendees are encouraged to explore and experience all aspects of this signature Chamber event.

Visit www.scvcommunityexpo.com and follow us at facebook.com/scvchamberexpo and twitter.com/scvexpo.

The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 business association. More than 1,200 local businesses support the Chamber through membership making it one of the largest business associations in Southern California. The Chamber is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of business leaders from across the Santa Clarita Valley.

The mission of the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry is to alleviate hunger throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. We accomplish this with a dynamic group of volunteers who source donations, package nutritious food to stretch a family’s food supply and distribute that food to qualifying residents in the Santa Clarita Valley.  For information call 661-255-9078 or visit scvfoodpantry.org.