The cupboards are bare at the Fayette Samaritans.

The local charity has run out of donated food to distribute to needy Fayette

families, according to Charlie Charping, the organization's president

pro-tem.

The number of families seeking help each day has doubled, Charping said.

In October 2003, seven families a day came for assistance, and in October

2004, there are 13 families a day seeking help, he said.

"Though we are out of food items, our biggest concern is the cash to

purchase the specific items we need," Charping said.

"Because we are a 100 percent volunteer organization, we are only able

to be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon. We have tried to set

up several drop-off sites throughout the county, but have been unsuccessful.

"Consequently, if folks would please send us a monetary donation, it

would relieve a pressing situation," Charping added.

Donations can be mailed to The Fayette Samaritans, P.O. Box 1071, Fayetteville,

GA 30214. The center can be reached at 770-719-2707.

The 12-year-old organization is devoted to feeding and clothing needy Fayette

County citizens. It is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization and donations to

it are tax-deductible.