VALPARAISO | With area food pantries seeing a growing number of families in need of help, the city's 11th annual food drive couldn't come at a better time.

Drive coordinator Diane Campolattara, of the city's engineering department, said the city will be taking donations of food and cash through Monday at City Hall. Volunteers also will be collecting donations Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Wal-Mart and Town & Country stores.

"A lot of families are without jobs, and with the economy being what it is, there's going to be a lot of families in need," Campolattara said. "So, hopefully, we can help the pantries."

Nan Steeves, coordinator of the First Christian Food Pantry, in Valparaiso, said she saw 34 people during a two-hour period Monday, seven of them appearing for the first time.

"It's been that way lately," Steeves said. "Where we used to see 20 to 25 people a day, it's now up to 30 to 35. Donations are doing a little better as the schools are holding drives."

Valparaiso's Immanuel Lutheran Church food pantry Coordinator Kate Schultheis said supplies are down, and they are spending a lot more money to keep the shelves stocked.

"We're part of the (U.S. Department of Agriculture), and they haven't been getting as many donations either to give to us," Schultheis said. "We were up about 80 people last month from the month before. There are more people out there that we are going to have to take care of. We need everything. Any donations are welcome."

Campolattara said the city is looking for nonperishable items and pet supplies. Cash donations will be used to buy perishable items such as cheese, eggs, milk and meats, including turkeys for the holidays. Steeves said items they need include peanut butter, cereal, spaghetti sauce, tuna, canned vegetables, pork and beans and canned fruit.

Schultheis said the Immanuel pantry is collecting "turkey points" offered by WiseWay to provide Thanksgiving dinners for its clients.

Donations at City Hall can be made from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.