These shelves will be empty by Monday

TAMPA - Thousands of needy families were given boxes full of Thanksgiving supplies at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa.

Families waited in line, registered, then were escorted by a Metropolitan Ministries volunteer.

After about 10 minutes of shopping, their box was filled with Thanksgiving food.

"If it wasn't here, I really don't know what I would do. I mean, they just help out, people donate and it's really, it's inspiring," said Kamilihia Williams. Thanks to the donations, Williams' family will have a holiday meal.

Kathy Saffold is also getting some help this year. She's says without it, her family wouldn't be able to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas.

"Without this extra help, we couldn't make it out there, because it's really very hard for families right now," said Saffold.

But for the first time ever, donations are running low before Thanksgiving. Metropolitan Ministries is hoping to feed 29,000 families for the holidays, but they only have food until Monday.

"We've been buying food because we knew we were short. Our donations into the first part of the week were 50 percent off just on food donations. And then our financial donations were down significantly in October," said Tim Marks, Metropolitan Ministries spokesperson.

Last year, Metropolitan Ministries turned away families away because of a lack of donations during Christmas. Unfortunately, they say it looks like they will have to turn more away this year.

"There's a real possibility that we're going to fall short. Last year was the first year we turned families away at Christmas time," Marks said.

If you want to donate, click on this link:

http://www.metromin.org/howyoucanhelp/donate-food--toys-for-the-holidays.aspx