'Tis the season for food drives.

With Thanksgiving just over a week away, some residents and community groups have stepped forward to help fill food bank cupboards and freezers.

But, with the demand for help even higher than last year, there's still a lot of work to be done.

Community Action Partnership in Coeur d'Alene added 590 families last month and now serves about 6,000 families in Kootenai County.

"Unfortunately the food donations have been decreasing right when the holiday needs become the greatest," volunteer Richard Dance wrote.

Last year, CAP gave out 2,167 Thanksgiving food baskets, and anticipates needing 3,500 this year.

The Post Falls Food Bank could serve twice as many residents as it did two years ago if registrations continue at their current clip, said Executive Director Sherry Wallis.

"We gave out 135 (meals) last week, and we're still going to need 400-plus more turkeys," Wallis said, adding that other food items, except olives, cranberries and stuffing mix, are needed.

"We're serving more people than ever."

The Rathdrum Food Bank served 150 families with food certificates to Stein's IGA last Thanksgiving and expects about the same this year, said Manager Sharon Dillon. Since the food bank doesn't have a lot of freezer space, tax-deductible money donations sent or delivered to 8027 W. Main, Rathdrum ID 83858 and canned goods are best.

At Spirit Lake, Treasurer Becky Gaddum said 50 turkeys have been ordered, but she said more bird and food donations will be needed at the nonprofit at 32154 North Fourth to meet the demand.

Gaddum said 46 families have already been served and last year there were 40.

Multiple food drives have already been held for the Thanksgiving rush.

At StanCraft Boat Co. in Post Falls on Saturday, 2,498 pounds of turkey was donated.

In Coeur d'Alene, Boy Scouts fanned out, refusing to let Saturday's 25-degree chill slow them down.

Troop 291 - seven adults and 13 scouts - collected 538 pounds. Other scouts also contributed hundreds of pounds for CAP.

"This event is a great way to help out those in need and to greatly bless others with a small amount of effort," said Larry Kirkhart, Troop 291 scoutmaster.

Dance said it wasn't easy in the ice and snow.

"Not many were home to begin with or didn't want to open their doors to the 25-degree chill outside so it started off slow, but over the hours the scouts persisted and found more and more willing donors," wrote Dance, public affairs director for the Hayden Lake Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

CAP donations can be dropped off at 4144 W. Industrial Loop. Information: 664-8757

Post Falls Food Bank donations can be dropped off at 415 E. Third Ave. Information: 773-0139