Since 1991 the state's Hunters Sharing the Harvest program has channeled thousands of pounds of donated venison to needy families.

The program in Pennsylvania and in 40 other states helps hunters donate venison to food banks, soup kitchens and needy families.

Butler County churches and food cupboards participating in the program are located in Slippery Rock, Portersville, Butler, Saxonburg and Mount Chestnut.

Meat processors preparing the meat are Henry's Meat Market in Harrisville, McKruit Meat Packing in Cabot, Rome's Meat Processing and Tom Huff Custom Meats, both in Butler, Giger's Meat Processing in Valencia and Dave's Deer Processing in Slippery Rock.

For information on the program, call 866-474-2141 or visit www.sharedeer.org or www.pgc.state.pa.us.

County coordinators for the program are: Nick Duffy, Cranberry Township, 724-453-1398; Jim Powell, Slippery Rock, 724-735-2397, and Tom Rossman, Butler, 724-283-0449.

In 2003, Pennsylvania hunters donated 78,000 pounds of deer meat, down from 2002 numbers because of a decrease in the deer harvest and poor weather conditions during hunting season.

In Butler County, 60 deer, weighing 2,914 pounds, were donated in 2002. Last year, 71 deer totaling 2,633 pounds were donated.

More than 40 sponsors give financial assistance to help cover the $15 processing fee for each donated deer. The State Forest Lands, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and other agencies also contribute money.

Last year, nearly $2,000 was contributed to the Give a Buck For the Pot donation campaign. More than $5,000 already has been raised in 2004.