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ESCANABA -- Last year we were able to raise over 111,000 pounds of food for food pantries across the U.P. through the TV6 Canathon.   

Volunteers at the Salvation Army in Escanaba are happy to be restocking their shelves, but the food in there now will only last about a month.

Officials say they need about 17,000 pounds of food just to last through the holiday season.  Last year they helped over 480 families with their Christmas baskets, which were filled with the help of the TV6 Canathon.

"The Canathon is what helps us get over that hump, the 17,000 pounds of food," explained Major Bill Cox.  "And if we don't have to buy it, it helps us out tremendously, so the Canathon is critical to us this year."

This year the Salvation Army is ending their basket application process almost an entire month early so they can better prepare for the growing number of those in need.  Within just 2 days, they had over 50 applicants and there's still an entire month to go.

"We're taking applications in the month of November so we can figure out do we have enough food, do we have enough toys, because this year is going to be tight, I think, and so we want to make sure we have enough for everyone," Major Cox said.

But the Salvation Army isn't the only organization that receives help through the Canathon.  The Saint Vincent de Paul food pantry also sees the donations which they say helps no matter the turnout.

"It all helps, no matter if it's 10 pounds or a thousand pounds, every little bit helps us out," explained Food Pantry Supervisor, Dwaine Menard.

The TV6 Canathon will continue now through December 3, and all the food donated stays in the area it was given.