With the holidays just around the corner and the number of families needing assistance growing due to the nation’s sagging economy, local government employees want to give back.

RIC Rack, the local food pantry that distributes food to the county’s needy families, has reported the shelves at the food bank are low with the number of families needing help increasing daily.

“Our shelves are pretty bare,” said food pantry volunteer Alycia Volk, who also volunteers as a clerical assistant with Dawson County. “We’re seeing more and more people needing help.”

In recognition of Hunger Awareness Month, Volk and Dawson County employee Karen Armstrong teamed up to try to replenish the pantry by collecting non-perishable items at various locations throughout the community.

Armstrong originally said the goal was to feed at least 50 families, but after witnessing the county’s great need, said she would like to see the community continue the initiative through the holiday season and throughout the coming year.

“Times are tough with increasing costs of gas and food,” said Armstrong. “I just wanted to make a difference and help out if possible. I want to give back to my community in any way I can.”

The food bank is currently in need of a variety of items from canned foods, to baby and adult health products.

For more information, please contact Karen Armstrong at (706) 344-3640 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.