OPELOUSAS, La (KLFY) – Several non-profit organizations across Acadiana are gearing up for the 30th annual ‘Food For Families’ food drive–one of the parishes includes St. Landry.

The St. Landry-Evangeline United Way is is calling all residents to help feed the hungry this holiday season.

The organization is hoping to collect 8-10 tons of non-perishable food items for the food drive, which will in turn benefit six parish-wide food banks and shelters.

“We desperately need donations,” said Dori Comeaux, Community Outreach Coordinator for the St. Landry-Evangeline United Way.

The food drive is just a week away and Comeaux says they’re hoping to receive double the amount of food than last year.

“Last year we didn’t have as successful of a food drive and this year due to the flood, we have a lot of families that are still displaced from their homes, so we have an even greater need,” said Comeaux.

A great need that stretches far beyond this time of year.

“Having a food drive during the holidays gives a heightened awareness about the need, but I want people to remember that there’s a need all year long, not just during the holidays,” said Ginger LeCompte, Executive Director for the St. Landry-Evangeline United Way.

LeCompte says the recent flood brought out the generosity in many residents, so they’re hopeful that a lot of people will continue to give back this holiday season.

“The flood brought a lot of people out to give not only food donations, but clothes, cleaning supplies, everything that was needed during the flood and for those victims,” said LeCompte.

Comeaux says most of the residents in St. Landry Parish live at or below poverty line, so no donation is too small.

“Even if to you it’s a small impact; it’s really in long, the ripple effect, it’s a really great impact for your own personal community,” said Comeaux.

When you drive up to Walmart on Creswell Ln. with your donation, you don’t even have to leave your vehicle–just have your box or bag ready for volunteers.

The food drive is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6 from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The St. Landry-Evangeline United Way is in need of volunteers for the food drive. Anyone interested in participating is asked to call the United Way at (337) 942-7815 or just show up to the food drive ready to work.