Given the national financial crisis of late, it should come as no surprise that demand is rising dramatically and shelves are quickly emptying at the 75 food pantries served by Catholic Charities' Emergency Food and Nutrition Network (EFNN) of the Archdiocese of Newark. Now more than ever, EFNN's 24th annual Harvest of Hope Food Drive needs the support from every corner of the archdiocese.

Launched earlier this month, the drive will run through Dec. 12. Donations help feed the most vulnerable and helpless among us-the working poor, senior citizens, children living in poverty and families suddenly struggling to make ends meet.

Through the concern of those who responded to last year's Harvest of Hope Food Drive, assistance was available to 46,411 of God's children. Even more need help this year. Arrangements can be made for the EFNN van to pick up Harvest of Hope food donations by calling (973) 266-7941.