The Roanoke Times | File September

Vern Simpson of Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry looks over the storage cellar food stocks this past fall. Even though some area aid organizations are feeling the sting of the downturned economy, Simpson says students and area churches have been quite generous.

Then: In the fall, with many Americans facing economic troubles, demand for the services of local nonprofit aid organizations soared while their resources declined.

In August, Phillip Pappas, president of the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program, had one word to describe the demand for services -- "unbelievable." On a scale of 1 to 10, Pappas said he would rate the amount of food available for the company's food bank, compared to what they need, a 2.

Vern Simpson of Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry said demand had been growing faster than ever.

Both groups worried that their resources would take an even bigger hit once heating season arrives and an even greater number of people request their services.

Now: Chad Nash, interim area office director of MCEAP, said that while resources months ago were scarce, they don't compare to the current state of the assistance programs.

"Even comparing it to six months ago, we're significantly lower," Nash said.

Basic food items that MCEAP provide, such as spaghetti noodles and sauce, are low. That particular section of the food pantry would normally remain full, he said.

Nash also said MCEAP is running out of household items such as diapers, toilet paper, paper towels and laundry detergent.

He said volunteers are "hanging in there," because donations still come in frequently, though in smaller monetary amounts than usual.

While Nash said he isn't positive on the particular numbers, the demand for MCEAP's services is steadily increasing. He doesn't see this slowing down anytime soon.

"I believe it's going to continue to be a struggle. The economy itself is not looking to get better any time soon. I foresee more of a struggle with the community. ... It's going to continue to be an issue and I believe get worse," Nash said.

Simpson is more encouraged by what he has seen recently with BIFP, and compared it with last year's holiday season.

"I think we're better off actually. There's been such a huge response from the students in town and churches," Simpson said.

In September, the BIFP's food supply was visibly low with many rows of bare or nearly bare walls surrounding the basement pantry. Now, Simpson says the nonprofit has a "full load" in the basement.

Volunteers have seen a 25 percent increase in people needing food packages from summer to fall, Simpson said. He said November was the busiest month they have ever seen, with 675 people signing up to be served.

He said that so far the community has responded to the need.

On Dec. 11, a representative from a student organization stopped by with a check for $2,500. The very next morning, a dentist came by and gave them a check for $1,500.

Simpson said he thinks BIFP will definitely be able to meet the demand throughout the winter months and hopes people continue to give.

"I don't want people to stop giving. ... The response has been great but the increase in demand" makes every dollar count, he said.