COLUMBIA (WACH) -- A Midlands organization known for helping others is in need itself.
Harvest Hope Food Bank says donations are down this year and the number of those in need is on the rise putting it $2 million behind in funding.
The food bank says most of its donations come at the end of the year. To make it through the spring and summer the organization uses a $400,000 line of credit which is usually paid off after the up tick in donations.
Harvest Hope says it was unable to pay off the money this year, despite cuts.
"We have cut every operating expense we can cut, while still serving the needs of the hungry. We have cut back on mailings, switching to e-mail; reduced casual labor to help sort food, bringing in more volunteers for additional shifts on nights and weekends; tried to get our food more from within our region to avoid shipping costs; eliminated travel to conferences and staff training; reduced our use of operational supplies. And we're looking at possible staff reductions," the organization says in a press release.
The rising gas prices puts the food bank even more in need of monetary donations.
If you'd like to donate visit Harvest Hope's donor page or send a check to:
Harvest Hope
2220 Shop Road
Columbia, SC 29201
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