Holiday volunteers, donations needed

This year, the goal is to collect items for 350 meal boxes, turkeys and $25 gift cards to purchase items such as milk, butter, eggs and juice.

"The meal boxes include just about every ingredient needed to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal," Martinez said. "Additional items, such as cereal, snacks and pancake mix, are also included, taking into account that kids are home for a full week."

The Thanksgiving program also promotes quality family time by asking for donations of board games and family appropriate movies to be given away.

Martinez said volunteers are integral to the Thanksgiving program, and about 60 people will be needed to help with the meals.

"The volunteer response is amazing," she said. "Everyone wants to help, and we love that. I can honestly say we have a very giving community and filling in volunteer spots for this program comes easy."

"We welcome groups and individuals to join us as we work together to make a genuine difference for Frisco's future," Martinez said.

In addition to the items for the boxes, the food pantry—the only food pantry in Frisco—is in need of items to replenish its supply as the holidays approach.

The food pantry has seen a 20 percent increase in the number of clients within the past year because of a new, more visible location and the lingering effects of the economic downturn.

"There are certain items that we have a hard time keeping on the shelves, such as kid friendly cereal, boxed and canned pasta meals, bagged beans, cooking oil, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, diapers size 4 and 5, and baby wipes," Martinez said.