Food supplies to help those in need during the upcoming holiday season are plentiful, but the Agape House in Hermiston always needs for more for the immediate months afterward.

For 26 years, the Agape House has supplied food and other necessities to low-income families and individuals in the area, who, Director Dave Hughes said, are benefiting from the charitable nature of those fortunate to have resources to provide.

Most of what we provide comes from the generosity of the community, Hughes said. This time of year brings us the most need, but it also brings us the most incoming food.

Hughes said the bulk of the support comes from school food drives, local businesses and private donations.

He said, despite the stresses of the holidays, the people of Hermiston and the surrounding areas always manage to come through with supplies for those in need.

This time of year is really kind of neat, Hughes said. Yes, demand is up. We are adding about 30 new families a week, and thats a big increase, but this time of year people are always very generous. People really do step up and help those in need.

Hughes said there could be a slight shortfall in supplies in February because of the amount that goes out to the community during the winter months, but he said he was not concerned about the inventory at this time. Hughes said, for the next couple months, at least, the supplies should be adequate to serve the needs of the community.

We get a tremendous amount of support, so we get through, Hughes said.