With Christmas less than a month away, the demand on Highline food banks and other southwest King County non-profit agencies that provide necessities for the needy is growing.

Yet shelves are sparsely filled and the need for donations is great to make this holiday season brighter for those served by these programs.

Individuals, families and groups can help their neighbors in need by giving food items or money to local food banks, which rely on donations for 80 to 90 percent of the assistance they receive.

They can help by:

Donating food -- Protein items such as meat, fish, peanut butter, and powdered milk are always in demand, as are canned goods such as fruits, vegetables and peanut butter, and fresh produce.

Volunteering -- Helpers are always needed to prepare and serve food, clean up after meals, pick up food donations, and provide other support.

Making a financial contribution -- Cash donations help food banks buy large quantities of food at discount prices, pay for the transportation of donated food, or purchase other needed supplies.

Highline and other southwest King County food banks and their locations are:

Highline Area Food Bank, 18300 Fourth Ave. S., Burien (Post Office Box 66427, Burien, WA 981166); phone 206-433-9900.

Des Moines Area Food Bank, 22225 Ninth Ave. S.; phone 206-878-2660.

Tukwila Pantry, 3118 S. 140th St.; phone 206-431-8293.

West Seattle Food Bank, 3518 S.W. Genesee St.; phone 206-932-9023.

Federal Way Food Bank, 1200 S. 336th St.; phone 253-838-6810.

Other charitable organizations with a presence in the Highline area that provide food, clothing and gifts for children are the Salvation Army and Union Gospel Mission.

And remember, after this "season of giving" ends, the need for donations will remain.