MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Food Bank will be able to supply families with a little more food this month thanks to the efforts of one area non-profit group.

The Lioness Club of Moses Lake recently gave the food bank $1,000 to help provide food for families in need. Community Services of Moses Lake Financial Manager Scott Kilpatrick said the donation will go a long way.

"A thousand dollars is very helpful," he said. "It goes a really long way because when we buy food we're able to buy it in bulk and get a lot more food for our dollar."

Kilpatrick said donations are extremely helpful during winter months as the need for food is greater during that time.

"There is a need year-round, but there is a bigger need around this time of the year," he said. "Agricultural jobs are done for the season so more people are out of work."

Kilpatrick said the food bank also saw an increase in the number of families they served this past November.

"There was a big jump and we think it's because of cutbacks in food stamps," he said. "That's something we're keeping an eye on, we were surprised at how many more families we had come in."

Peny Archer, the food bank's operations manager, said community donations play a big role in making sure the food bank has enough resources to help families in need.

"We rely on contributions from individuals, businesses and time from our volunteers to make it possible to distribute food to those in need," she said. "The Lioness have been supportive year after year."

The purpose of the Lioness Club is to foster a spirit of interest, friendliness and helpfulness among its members. The food bank is one of many other community groups and projects the Lioness Club helps, according to a recent news release.

"With so many people going through tough times in our area right now, it's nice that the Lioness Club of Moses Lake is able to contribute to a much needed service in our community," Lioness Club President Terry Sell said.

Kilpatrick said the food bank is currently gearing up for its annual toy distribution. "Operation Friendship" has been going on for many years, he said.

Last year, the food bank handed out about 750 toys, Kilpatrick said.

This year, toys will be distributed to the children of food bank clients Dec. 21.

The Unchained Brotherhood raises funds to purchase the toys each year, Kilpatrick said.

Residents can also help by dropping off new toys to the food bank before the distribution, he said.

"It's a big help to families, it's one less thing for them to have to buy," Kilpatrick commented. "This way we know children will get at least one toy for Christmas, and that's important to us."