Thanks to Mike Kisler for bringing this to my attention. Please visit the People's Resource Center website for details about how you can contribute.

(From last Friday's Daily Herald) The People's Resource Center in Wheaton, which serves families throughout DuPage County, almost ran out of food last week, Director Mary Ellen Durbin said Tuesday. The agency had to make extra shopping trips to refill the nearly empty shelves at the center, 201 S. Naperville Road.

The ongoing shortage spurred officials to make e-mail pleas for help to area churches and other agencies Tuesday.

"I'm so anxious. This has not happened since 1998," Durbin said. "We're seeing record numbers of people."

During the school year, students and civic groups often hold food drives that help the agency keep pantry shelves stocked. Donations typically drop off somewhat during the summers, but to this extent is rare, she said.

"We're now at the point where we're really worried about food," Durbin said. "It's a very desperate need."

The center is hoping for a miracle, she said.