The holidays are fast approaching, and many non-profits are once again poised to help those in need throughout our community.

However, with a tight economy some non-profits and food banks need a little help of their own in order to assist others.

Every day someone in our area enters one of the local food pantries asking for help.

But with that number of people increasing, more donations are needed for some pantries to be able to accommodate those in need

"We average 50 food baskets a week... every week."

So it's no surprise when Saint Vincent DePaul food pantry and HANDS Executive Director, Deborah Williams says...

"Right now, we're really short on food."

Williams says requests for aid usually goes up in the colder months of the year.

However, this year it's not just the cooler climate attributing to tougher times, but also the economy.

Right now the pantry is in need of canned goods, boxed goods, and sweatshirts for those that come in seeking aid.

Less items are being donated to the pantry, despite this usually being the "season of giving."

"We do see a little bit more around this time of year but we are seeing less this year and I think that's the economy. The economy's having an effect on everybody's family budget," Williams notes.

However, things are better at the First Christian Church pantry.

"We have members that actually donate food or donate money and we buy locally what we need if we don't have something in sufficient stock," says the church's Outreach Coordinator, Lucy Ritter.

Couple that with help from "Feed America" and other food drives, Ritter says the church will be able to continue serving 70 to 80 food bags every month.

Although supplies are low right now at St. Vincent DePaul, Williams hopes people will find a way to do their part to help the less fortunate.

"We all have to remember that not everyone is as fortunate as we are and if they could just help out that little bit then we could serve a whole lot of families," notes Williams.

If you would like to donate to the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry, just call the Tomorrow Center at (270) 781-6710.

Also, the First Christian Church, along with State Street Methodist Church, will have its annual free Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day.