UPDATE: HASLETT - One local food bank breaks their all time record of giving. Learn more on Meridian Magazine!

ORIGINAL STORY: HASLETT - Despite tough economic times and even more people in need, one local food bank perseveres.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, the Haslett Community Food Bank prepares to provide meals to 60 different families each month. But according to volunteer Ruth Linnemann, family structures today are slightly different then they used to be.

"Particularly this year, many of our households are only one or two adults in the household, so we've purchased a big batch of whole chickens, because if it's a household of one or two a whole turkey isn't really too affective."

And that's not the only thing that's changed, Public demand has increased by 25-30%, but so have helping hands.

Brenda Heard just moved to Michigan from Texas.

"My life changed a lot, I have a lot of free time, and I decided I wanted to give back because I've been very blessed."

Heard's been volunteering with the food bank for just a few months now and already it's changed her life.

"It really makes you remember that that's what makes our country great that there are a lot of people out there giving their time and money for those of us that aren't as fortunate."

Volunteers say it's the support of the community that keeps the food pantry shelves full. All contributions of money, special needs items, and non-perishable food items to the Haslett Community Food Bank are all tax deductible.