With the holidays approaching at light speed, the price of food rising and the angst over the economy, food banks, pantries and other charitable organizations that provide food for the needy are having a difficult time keeping up with the need in Southern Maryland.

One such organization is Helping Hands. Fortunately, the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad is jumping in to help them out.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, LVRS will be holding a food drive for the benefit of Helping Hands from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McKay’s in the Shops at Breton Bay shopping center.

“Helping Hands is low on food as well and in order to get items for their pantry from the food bank, they have to purchase it. Since there are many food drives going on for the Food Bank, we decided to do this for Helping Hands of St. Mary's County,” said Jamie Weber, Chief of the Leonardtown Vol. Rescue Squad.

“This is a wonderful organization that helps so many people,” said Weber. “We hope to see everyone that can contribute as much non-perishable food as possible on that day.”