CLEMSON — Staff at Clemson Community Care are seeing some numbers go up and other numbers go down.

The number of people in need of food this holiday season is rapidly increasing while the amount of food available to them is shrinking, said Karen Ellers, CCC Executive Director.

“Our client numbers have doubled this November as compared to last November,” Ellers said. “Our donations are going to have to stay up and increase in order to keep up with our increase in client numbers.”

While residents, schools and church groups banded together and helped CCC gather food to put in the holiday food bags it distributes for Thanksgiving and Christmas, the organization is now in need of “regular staple items,” Ellers said.

“Food such as canned tuna or salmon, juice, mac and cheese, grits, things like that,” she said.

Wintertime donations are critical as they help carry CCC into the New Year, Ellers said.

“Donations this time of year are very, very important,” Ellers said. “In addition to food, we also offer financial services. This is the time of year we start to pay heating bills for people.”

In addition to heating bills, Clemson Community Care can also assistance clients with emergency financial assistance, helping to pay a client’s rent or utility bills during times of need, Ellers said.

While donations of food are greatly appreciated, CCC staff can stretch monetary donations “a little further” thanks to some of their partners.

“Monetary donations allow us to purchase food from a food supplier at a reduced rate,” Ellers said. “We can make that a money go a little bit further.”

Monetary donations are also used for the CCC’s “Secret Santa” program.

“We do gift cards so that families can purchase gifts for their children,” Ellers said.

Anyone wishing to donate food or money should stop by CCC. Monetary donations can also be mailed to Clemson Community Care, P.O. Box 271, Clemson, 29631.

Because of the economy, Clemson Community Care is seeing a large number of first-time clients, she said.

“We’re seeing a huge number of first time clients, people who have not had to ask for help before,” she said.

Clemson University students leaving during the holidays also creates a downshift in the local economy, Ellers said.

“When students leave, a lot of the fast food employers don’t need as many employees at this time of year, so you don’t get as many hours if you’re working that kind of job,” she said.

CCC hosts the Manna produce truck about once a month.

“It gives out 5,000 pounds of free produce,” Ellers said. “There are no qualifications to participate in this program.”

The Manna truck is scheduled to appear at CCC again on 11 a.m. January 3.

The One Stop Job Service visits CCC once a month to help clients seek employment.

Those who feel Clemson Community Care, which serves Clemson, Central and Pendleton areas, might be able to assist them should stop by the CCC for an interview, or call for an appointment.

“During the interview, the clients talk to us about what their needs are,” Ellers said.

Clemson Community Care is open 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday – Thursday.

Clemson Community Care is located at 105 Anderson Highway. For more information, call 653-4460.