BLOOMINGTON — Thanksgiving is just a week away, but for area food pantries, that means time is quickly running out to get things ready.
Canned goods piled high and ready to be served—the Bloomington Volunteer Network always has its shelves stacked, and around the holidays, it’s even more urgent.
"We do emergency runs for people, and they've increased quite a bit," said Lesa Jacobs with Bloomington Volunteer Network. "There's people really in a lot of need right now."
There are a number of factors being felt all across Bloomington.
"People are getting less assistance, and the prices are increasing," Jacobs said. "It's just really a hardship for them."
With the holidays approaching and an increase in demand, people need a place to comfortably get what they need.
"It's just a nice value-add for folks who don't have family or friends to spend holidays with, to have a safe place to go that's still open," said Vicki Pierce, Executive Director for the Monroe Community Kitchen.
Everyone wants to help, but it's important to be donating the items that are the most useful.
"Easy protein, items that do not need a whole lot of extra ingredients," said volunteer Eva Johnson "So, you can take one can, one box, mix it, heat it, and go—that's the easiest."
Along with food and monetary donations, time is something people can give. Community Kitchen and the Bloomington Volunteer Network are always looking for volunteers, especially during the holiday season.
