LEESBURG, Va. - One local non-profit may not be able to reach out its helping hand as far this year for Thanksgiving due to supply and demand.

This year more than 500 additional families in Loudoun County (web | news) are seeking assistance. While more families are in need, fewer people are donating.

For Lynn Konwin and her son Jake, Sunday was supposed to be about sorting boxes at Loudoun County's Holiday Coalition -- but there was just one problem.

“There is such a lack of donations as of right now,” said Jake Konwin.

This year the volunteers and the staff at the county's Department of Family Services, are worried they may not be able to provide a full meal to the families in need this Thanksgiving.

With the recent economic downturn, the number of people seeking a helping hand is up 30 percent. So far, the supply is having hard time keeping up with the demand.

“The county staff manages all the intake based on qualifications and they've said that this year the numbers are way up. Over 1,700 families have qualified and last year it was only 1,200,” said volunteer Ursula Lemanski.

Konwin and her son decided they were going to do their part with a list of the needed items in hand.

“Products like instant mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, canned tuna or canned yams,” said Lynn Konwin.

They set off to the store to and returned with a trunk full of bags and boxes of non-perishable items.

“I relied on the services of volunteers when I was going through a hard time myself so I am just always looking for a way to help out,” said Lynn Konwin.

Volunteers are hoping their good deed will inspire others to dig deep and give more than ever before.

The Holiday Coalition is currently in need of food for Thanksgiving, but they will also be collecting toys for Christmas.

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