KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Groups helping Knoxville's unsheltered stay safe and fed during this week's winter storm could use help from the public.
Food is currently running low at Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries after the agency served 1,500 meals on Tuesday.
In a video posted to Facebook Wednesday, KARM Senior Director of Food Services Liz Galloway said the number of people seeking services is increasing.
"We served 1,500 meals yesterday here on our main campus and in my ten years that's as high as I've ever seen our numbers go," she said, adding the high numbers are taking a toll on the food supply.
The video, shot at KARM's downtown location, shows empty freezer and pantry space.
"Unfortunately our trucks who go out into the community and pick up our donations on a daily basis have been unable to get out on the roads due to the weather here in East Tennessee," she said.
Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries sheltered 400 people from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, and three churches working with the Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability to provide warming shelters served 228 last night.
KARM also provided some meals to people at the warming shelters.
Anyone who's able to safely drop off donations to KARM is asked to bring the food to KARM's Kitchen door at 418 North Broadway Street in Knoxville.
People are asked to just ring the bell by the door and explain why they're there.
Galloway said donations of canned beans, canned vegetables, rice, pasta and meat of any kind are the most needed.
The Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability is working with local churches to host warming centers.
On Tuesday night Cokesbury Church hosted 29 people, Vestal United Methodist Church sheltered 60 people, Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church aided 120 people and the Salvation Army hosted 19 people, Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability Executive Director Erin Reed told WBIR.
Knoxville's Deputy Director of Communications Eric Vreeland said these centers will need help as well.
"They would want volunteers and donations," Vreeland said.
People can find information on how to donate on Knoxville city social media sites or by calling 211.
In Blount County Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee's warehouse isn't open, but will reopen as soon as it's safely able to.
Ahead of this week's winter storm, Second Harvest made sure their agencies had a week's worth of food to be prepared, said Rachel Ellis with Second Harvest.
People who need food can email info@secondharvestetn.org.