The demands are high while food in the cupboards is running low for Ray of Hope.

That’s with the holidays being right around the corner.

The local non-profit servicing youngsters in dire need of the basics in life is currently taking up a Thanksgiving Food Collection Drive.

Ray of Hope is seeking out donations of turkeys, sweet potatoes, butter, stuffing, chicken broth, gravy, green beans, rolls, pie, whip cream, and paper plates.

The Kids Cupboard Food Pantry is also running low.

“Our shelves have taken a huge hit due to the increase in clients and the need for food,” Ray of Hope Executive Director Laura Saunders.

For that, she’s turning to the community along with local businesses and service organizations for donations of the following – protein / energy bars, soup / canned pasta, juice / water, peanut butter / jelly, pasta, cereal, and oatmeal, to name a few.

Children in Ray of Hope are referrals from local and government agencies such as the Child Abuse Prevention Agency and San Joaquin County Child Protective Services.

Donations can be dropped off at the Ray of Hope upstairs office at 113 W. Yosemite Ave.

For more information, call 209.597.0574.