As many as 1,200 area families are depending on the Marysville Community Food Bank for their holiday meals, and a small army of volunteers is making sure they don't go hungry.

According to food bank director Joyce Zeigen, the economy has driven many first-time clients to the facility. "A lot of folks are unemployed and making their first trips to the food bank," she said.

To accommodate the growing need, Thanksgiving meal baskets were distributed over two days, and the plan for Christmas is the same, with distribution set for December 18 and 22, depending on the clients' last names.

On the designated day, families will be able to pick up a pre-packaged basket that includes milk, cranberry sauce, yams, stuffing, flour, peanut butter, pancake mix and syrup. Canned fruits and vegetables, soup and dessert mixes are also available for selection, along with eggs and margarine. Northwest Harvest supplies the turkey.

Approximately 40 volunteers are needed for each of the distribution days, and Zeigen encouraged local residents to sign up for a shift during the season.

"It's a great feeling to help others," she said, "and it means so much to these families."

To find out how you can help, phone (360) 658-1054.

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