CBS Atlanta 46Thanksgiving food donations still needed

Thanksgiving is two days away, and now hundreds of families feel enormous stress because they don't know where their next meal will come from.

Officials with The Center For Family Resources in Cobb County told CBS Atlanta News the need for donations is tremendous this year.

Lori Nelson can't imagine not giving to those less fortunate during these tough times.

"Given the economy and people who are used to giving good things to their kids and who used to being able to give their family a good life, it can be tough right now," said Nelson as she unloaded her SUV filled with goods.

Nelson is a new mother who worries about other mothers who are having a hard time providing for their children.

"I have a 3-month-old, and my heart goes out to mothers who can't care for their children," said Nelson.

The Center's Jeri Barr said donations from people like Lori Nelson are critical to keeping shelves stocked with so many families in need. 

"If you had been here a month ago, all of these shelves would have been empty," said Barr.

Barr estimates that it takes 70,000 food items to serve their clients, and that's just to provide Thanksgiving meals. Barr said the need is astronomical.

"It is heartbreaking, but it's a sign of these economic times, and it's folks who've never had to ask for help before," said Barr. "We just need to pass it on and be a blessing to someone else," said Barr.

It is not too late to donate to the cause. The center is taking donations 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. or you can give on at http://thecfr.org.

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