Editor's note: Ocracoke families are also eligible to use the Hatteras Island Food Pantry and several do each winter. We will be collecting donations for the Food Drive at the Community Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 13th. 

Without your support, this non-denominational, non-profit community outreach will be unable to meet the needs of island residents and get through the winter, the period of greatest demand.

Whether you give food or money, 100 percent of all donations goes to assist Hatteras islanders.

If you live off island or do not have time to shop, please make a monetary donation. It's tax deductible. Checks should be written to United Methodist Men and mailed to Hatteras Island Food Pantry, PO Box 1591, Buxton, NC 27920. Call or message me if you have questions or would like more info. Thank you!

Here are this year's convenient drop-off locations to date:

• Hatteras Realty in Hatteras Village and Avon (Daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.)
• Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Parish Hall in Buxton (24-hour drop-off box on porch) Frisco Shopping Center in Frisco (Daily 6 a.m.-9 p.m.)
• Outer Beaches Realty in Hatteras Village, Avon, and Waves (Daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.)
• Surf-or-Sound Realty in Avon (Daily 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)
• Midgett Realty in Hatteras, Avon, and Rodanthe (Daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.)

If you need more information or have questions, please e-mail food drive organizer, Linda Browning, at linda@browningstudios.com.