Many families have less to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and they are turning to local charities for help.
The demand for assistance at Star of the Sea Out-Reach Mission on Stock Island has increased by 60 percent since last year, said Tom Callahan, the mission's treasurer.
The mission now feeds about 1,800 people per month, and the number is increasing about 180 people every week, as new people come in for assistance, he said.
"Almost all of the new people are families; it's really scary," Callahan said.
He added that some families are arriving at the mission in a nice car and wearing designer clothes.
"They're not homeless, but they've lost jobs and it's very humbling -- for them and us," he said.
And the approaching holidays are anything but joyful for parents who have lost jobs, homes and hope.
Callahan and others have nearly exhausted the supply of food the mission receives every month from Feeding South Florida, a member of a national food bank network, and he said he is scrambling to find alternative sources.
The Key West community may be one of those sources, and the mission on Stock Island is asking for donations from residents and businesses that will help needy families get through the holidays.
Volunteers are preparing Thanksgiving dinner baskets for families that include a ham or turkey and other ingredients. They also are asking for donations of $15 gift cards from local grocery stores that will allow families to pick up a few additional items to add to their holiday table.
The gift cards should exclude alcohol and tobacco products, Callahan emphasized.
Other avenues for holiday charity include the Thanksgiving meals at Glad Tidings Tabernacle in Key West, Independence Cay and St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Marathon.
The St. Mary's Soup Kitchen will continue to serve a hot meal every day at 4 p.m. on Flagler Avenue.
For more information about places to get help or donate food, time, money or clothing, go to http://www.shal.cc for a listing of members of the Southernmost Homeless Assistance League. Or call the mission at 305-292-3013.
mbolen@keysnews.com