An organization that helps feed hundreds of families in need in the Wake Forest area is going through some tough times of its own.

Tri-Area Ministry, which serves families that live in Wake Forest, Rolesville, and Youngsville, is struggling with few donations and increasing demand for help.

The ministry allows registered families to come in once a month to pick up a bag stuffed with groceries and other items like clothing and housewares, for no charge.

But as of last week the pantry shelves are nearly bare.

"We're basically going day to day wondering whether we were going to remain open," said Jennifer Sweeney, a volunteer.

Since then some food donations have come in, but Sweeney says the supply won't last long with nearly 175 families coming to the ministry each week.

To make due, volunteers have been stuffing fewer food items into the bag. A director of the ministry has reached into her own pockets to stock the shelves. Volunteers say one of the hardest things is that they have not been able to take in new families asking for their help.

"Our mission is to never turn anyone away," said Mare Kristensen, volunteer. "But we are at the point now, where we have to turn people away."

"It hurts everybody," said Betty McBride, another volunteer. "It hurts us. It hurts the people that we have to turn away, because you don't know if they have any food to eat for that night."

Donations can be made at the Tri-Area Ministry building at 149 E. Holding Ave. in Wake Forest or to PO Box 134, Wake Forest, NC 27588.