<strong>From staff reports</strong>

It’s a busy time of the year for HELP of Beaufort.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

HELP is the largest volunteer organization and food pantry in Beaufort County, and it has seen a substantial increase in food pantry patrons this year.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

According to Help of Beaufort Executive Director Lori Opozda in September, the demand for emergency food had already doubled since March.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Help of Beaufort relies primarily on food donations from the public to stock the shelves. Eighty percent of the food comes from donations. The rest comes from the USDA and what they purchase at local grocery stores.

There are two opportunities for citizens to lend Help of Beaufort a hand in the next week or so.

<strong>Boston Butt fundraiser</strong>

Boston Butts, cooked by Sea Eagle Market, are being sold for $40. To order and pay online, visit helpofbeaufort.org. You can also order and pay in person at 1810 Ribaut Road or call 843-524-1223. Pick up is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 19, at HELP of Beaufort at 1810 Ribaut Road in Port Royal.

<strong>Fill The Bus</strong>

The Wardley Family YMCA is holding a Fill The Bus event for Help of Beaufort. From Sunday, Dec. 13 through Friday, Dec. 18, the YMCA will be collecting nonperishable food items to support Help of Beaufort. A table will be set up in the Y parking lot, where donations can be left.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday, the bus will be parked outside the Piggly Wiggly in Port Royal.

Needs include non-perishable food items such as canned, boxed and jarred foods like vegetables, spaghetti sauce, condiments, soup, stuffing, pasta, beans, coffee, applesauce, tea, boxed dinners, tuna, baby food, diapers, baby wipes, etc.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Also needed are dry goods like toilet paper, ziplock bags, plastic wrap, detergent, paper plates, foil, cleaning products, trash bags, tissues, etc., as well as toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, tooth brushes, hand sanitizer, body wash, band aides, etc.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

And of course there is a need for bottled water, fruit juice, hot chocolate mix, dry dog food, cat food, and cat litter.

For more information, visit HelpOfBeaufort.org.