In a season of giving one place that could use the extra help is the Marion County Food Pantry.
Robert Bourne, president of the food bank, said during the week of Thanksgiving 102 families were in dire need of food.
The food bank is run solely by volunteers who accept the food, sort through the donations and create boxes for the families when an emergency strikes. There are more than 25 volunteers involved, and the effort is supported by area churches.
East Marion schools recently held a canned food drive that collected 2,000 cans of food.
Betty Breland, treasurer, said they are in need of canned sweet peas, green beans and mixed vegetables; instant mashed potatoes; peanut butter; boxed macaroni and cheese; soup; Hamburger Helper; ramen noodles; fruit juice; powered juices such as Tang; and dried beans.
Breland stressed to check the expiration date of the food. They cannot use expired items.
Breland said the food pantry will be accepting donations until Dec. 19. The food pantry will be closed for the last two weeks of the year and will reopen the first week in January.
Currently the First Southern Bank branches on U.S. 98 and Second Street are collecting food for the pantry. Boy Scout Jonathan Gwin is also collecting food for it as part of his Eagle Scout project. The pantry is at 424 Bullis St.
