Nov 11, 2011 -- The Southeast Ohio 2-1-1 Call Center is preparing for a high volume of calls as the holiday season approaches.

Call Center Manager Audrey Foster said more than 28,000 calls have been answered since July 2009. She said emergency food assistance has been the top priority.

"Even though people are getting assistance, they seem to be running out at the end of the month, and we're also finding out that a lot of folks are signing up to the pantry for the first time," said Foster.

Foster said 34% of the calls in October were in regard to food, meals and personal items. An additional 3% of the calls specifically related to holiday assistance. She said several places in Zanesville are providing Thanksgiving dinners to those in need.

"Salvation Army will be having a dinner on Wednesday the 23rd, and then Faith United Methodist Church is also giving a Thanksgiving feast on Thanksgiving Day, along with Christ's Table's Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day," said Foster.

Foster said donations support the call center, and you can help by eating at Steak N Shake on November 22nd. 10% of all sales will benefit the United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan counties.

Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: http://www.whiznews.com