The Salvation Army has collected about 7,000 pounds of food since October, but with an increasing need, it may only last through December.

“We probably have enough food right now to get us through December and maybe some of January, and that’s depending on if we don’t get hit by any more rushes,” Lt. David Amick said.

Although shelves are currently full, Amick said there were 72 families who visited the food shelf last Tuesday.

“That was the first day of the food shelf for December, and we do it three times a week,” Amick said.

Amick estimated about 350 to 400 families could come to the food shelf this December, which he said would be a little higher than last year. The problem occurs in January and goes until March, when Amick said there is still a large need, but donations are down because the holidays are over.

“Then we’re trying to figure out where the next can is coming from,” he said.

Yet he has been impressed with the community since he and his wife have worked at the Austin location for about three years. He noted the eight to 12 different food drives that have been put on by community members recently, and about 7,000 pounds of food collected since October.

“The community is just overwhelmingly awesome when it comes to giving,” Amick said.

Organizers such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the movie theater, the county and city workers, churches, schools, and even during Halloween parties have all contributed to food drives. Amick is thankful for the generosity of the community, but worried about the ‘down time’ for the food shelf.

“Hopefully the giving will continue in January and February,” Amick said.

The Salvation Army accepts both food and monetary donations.