The Cupboard Is Nearly Bare

Zack Dizerega, a single father of two, stood against a wall as he waited for his food order. It was the 20-year-old's first visit to Loudoun Interfaith Relief. He recently moved to Leesburg from Winchester after being laid off at an assembly factory. He now earns $10 an hour at a dog kennel.

Dizerega said the food donation will supplement his grocery purchases. "Everybody needs all the help they can get," he said. "It's less that I have to buy."

Loudoun resident Nina Fields, 46, quietly filled out her food order as the crowds began to disperse. Fields, who has epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, was supported by her sister until she, too, fell ill in 2005. The two now rely on disability income and sometimes receive groceries from the food pantry.

Fields said she has noticed how the economic crunch has reduced food supplies at Loudoun Interfaith Relief. "This was not the norm a year ago," she said, pointing to a near-empty bread shelf.

For information on how to donate to the Loudoun Holiday Coalition, visithttp://www.loudoun.gov/holidaycoalitionor call 703-737-8367.

Volunteer Loudoun will collect food and household items for the coalition from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 22714 Glenn Dr. in Sterling. For a list of acceptable items for the collection drive, visithttp://www.loudoun.gov/volunteeror call 703-737-8424.