Children aren't the only ones with wish lists this Christmas. In this season of giving, the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP) needs gifts as well.

For more than 20 years, SSKP has continued its mission to provide food and fellowship to local residents in need, but it's getting more challenging every day.

Consider the fact that in 2008, 2,403 people were helped, just from the 11 towns served by the five food pantries of SSKP. This year, only through September, the pantries have already served 4,405 people from the same 11 towns. A few come once. Others come once in a while, but most come once a week and that requires a significant amount of food for distribution. Last year, "significant" meant almost 900,000 meals worth of food were provided through pantry distributions and meal sites.

This year, providing that same amount of food has been tougher. Food and fuel prices have increased substantially. That's forced more of the working poor to turn to food pantries for help. Meanwhile, traditional sources of free or low-cost food are disappearing. Manufacturers are far more careful than in the past not to overproduce and supermarket chains have improved inventory management resulting in reducing the volume of unsold food that used to be donated. That makes gifts of food or cash by community members all the more important.

So how can pepole help?

The gift list is a short one: Funds, food, and/or free time.

Making a donation to the SSKP is the most efficient way to help. Through bulk purchasing, every dollar can provide three meals to someone in need. Donations can be made by mail at P.O. Box 804, Essex, CT 06426 or online at www.shorelinesoupkitchens.org. All donations are tax deductible.

Food is always welcome. Consider picking up a few extra cans of non-perishable foods the next time you are out shopping for your own groceries. Many local markets provide collection bins right in the store and donations will be accepted at any of the five SSKP pantry sites. Details and hours are available on the website or by calling 860-388-1988 for more information.

Volunteers are welcome in any capacity. A few hours of free time provides the people-power needed to provide services to the community at minimal cost; 93 cents of every dollar goes to program expenses.

Those interested in supporting SSKP through a food drive with their business, school, or house of worship may contact Phyllis Cappuccio at 860-388-1988 or pcappuccio@shorelinesoupktchens.org.