A record number of families have signed up for holiday assistance from the Hockanum Valley Community Council's food pantry.
That's 920 for those keeping score at home, about 80 more than CEO David Engelson anticipated a month ago.
Engelson spent most of Friday running around between food drives, and the agency was gearing up for this weekend's big Christmas push at both Stop & Shops in Vernon.
The drop-offs will be staffed during the daylight hours, but the drop-offs will remain open as long as the stores are.
HVCC had 500 turkeys on hand from corporate donations, but the Christmas need has doubled from that total, Engelson said.
He said the pantry needs everything from main courses to side dishes to staples to vegetables.
There is still a need for peanut butter, he said.
HVCC will also accept cash donations, he said.
The pantry is located on Naek Road off Route 83. To make a donation, call 860-872-7727.
