"We're getting a lot more people that have never come here before," says Jim Clark of Christian Service Center.
"Probably the biggest thing we see, is a lot of people saying we've never asked for help before," says John Moore of First Baptist Abilene.
"It seems like this year we've had more requests, especially from people who say they've never had to get help before," says Roberta Brown of Christian Service Center.
It seems like a common trend in the community. Organizations who provide meals and personal assistance to families are seeing quite an increase in the amount of those in need - many who have never needed help in the past.
"This year, our staff and volunteers have noticed it's been the heaviest demand for help," says Clark.
And many attribute it to one common denominator.
Clark says, "I just think the economy has really hit people."
The Christian Service Center has provided a thousand more people with food than last year at this time. First baptist has also seen a similar trend.
"We've seen a lot of new faces in to eat meals. So we've got a lot of folks that are hungry," Moore says.
And the cooler temperatures and approaching holidays bring in a whole new set of needs.
"Warm clothing especially jackets and coats."
And children's toys for the holiday season. Many parents aren't able to give their kids what they were once able to provide.
"It's just a great indication that there is a lot of need going on and a need for help."
