Abba House is asking for the community's help to keep pace with an increased demand for groceries.

Co-founder Jim Sharp said the long-term ministry for troubled women in northern Forsyth County provides food to about 100 families at least once a month and "some of them several times a month."

"And we're finding about a 50 percent increase in the number of people that need food, so we are close to the point of running out of food," he said.

Sharp said those who want to donate nonperishable food items may call ahead for additional information or bring contributions to Abba House's thrift store.

He said the store also accepts perishable food items, but asked that contributors contact Abba House before bringing them to make sure space is available in the thrift store's refrigerators and freezers.

Those who would like to donate or organizations interested in conducting food drives may call Barbara Coyne, Abba House's program director,  at (678) 208-2000, Ext. 105.

The thrift store is at 6800 Dahlonega Hwy., about five miles north of Coal Mountain.