A new and bigger H.O.P.E. store has opened up for this years holiday season in Lyndonville. However there was no Thanksgiving dinner put on by the organization this year.

“Well we have a new space this year so we're kind of nervous about our budget and how much we should do. We found that it's probably best to try and keep our food shelf as stocked as we can so that people have access to groceries every week if they need them.”

H.O.P.E stands for Helping People Every Day and continues to help send out emergency food bags to help local families. Last year the organization put on a Thanksgiving dinner and will continue to do so bi-annually. This year the demand for food is higher and more people are looking for donations.

"It's a whole lot more than last year and whether or not that has to do with our size or just the need the general needs of the community, I'm not sure. But There are a lot of people that are looking to make a good Christmas a good holiday for their families and wondering exactly how they're going to do it.”

A failing economy has made it so H.O.P.E. has more people to feed year round, which has put a limit on what services they can provide.

“I think you know things are really in a bad place for a lot of people. I know in September we served 547 families where as previously I think the most that we've done was around 300.”

Instead, volunteers are going to be bringing meals to shut in residents which include the elderly and disabled.  However, is this enough in a time where there are people in need than in years past?

“People are scared too it's like they may not even be in a crisis situation but, just nervous about the holiday's coming up that they just want make sure that they have enough and I think we're seeing a lot of that."

H.O.P.E. is always looking for food donations as well as cleaning supplies and clothing to give everyone a great holiday.