The Chandler Lions have made a cash donation to help replenish the empty pantry shelves at God's Open Hands Food Distribution Center.

God's Open Hands is a volunteer non-profit service organization in Chandler.

Pat Martin, God's Open Hands president, said this particular time is especially challenging to meet local needs since food prices have increased, along with other costs for operating the organization.

More than 300 food boxes are given out each month with the numbers increasing rapidly.

A significant increase exists in families asking for food. We can surmise the state of the economy, higher utility bills, physical conditions that keep people from working, and less than 40-hour-perweek jobs with no benefits contribute heavily to the increased demand for food.

With these conditions, it doesn't take much for people to get down on their luck, and when they live from paycheck to paycheck, any interruption in the flow is devastating.

Many of those seeking help are elderly people on small fixed incomes. Sometimes they have to make a choice between buying food or buying much-needed medicine.

Other clients include single-parent households who cannot make ends meet without assistance. Whatever the situation, God's Open Hands seeks to help those in need.

To operate, this local charity relies on donations from individuals, local businesses, and civic organizations.

All workers are volunteers with no paid personnel.

This is truly local people taking care of their own. The only reason the organization is able to continue is because of community support.

This time of year is unusually tough, as many of the food drives organizaed by local clubs, school groups, and churches occur around the holidays.

However, hungry families have to be fed year round. Donations begin to slow just after the first of the year and steadily decline throughout the spring and summer.

Martin indicated that all donations, whether cash, food items, or used and new items for resale at the Thrift Store on FM 315 South are appreciated. All proceeds from the store go to support the organization. Children's clothing is always in demand.

Most food is purchased from either East Texas Food Bank or The King's Storehouse in Tyler.

A dollar can stretch three or four times as far at a food bank compared to purchasing retail.

Cash donations can be made at God's Open Hands at 104 Jones Street or can be sent to P.O. Box 865, Chandler, TX 75758.

Donations for God's Open Hands often can be made at local churches.

Hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To volunteer or to obtain a list of items always in demand, call 903-849- 6082.