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ESCANABA -- Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and WYKX and WDBC are kicking off a three-day push to help feed the hungry.

The radio stations are having a Canathon at Super Value in Gladstone and at Super One and Elmer’s in Escanaba.  It started at 9 a.m. Monday.

Three days a week, around 25 people visit the food pantry at St. Vincent de Paul in Escanaba, and right now there's a lot of empty space on the shelves.  But hopefully, not for long.

During last year's Canathon, between 22,000 and 25,000 pounds of food were collected for the pantry. 

“So far this year, it's been kind of slow,” said food pantry supervisor, Dwaine Menard. “The economy is bad. Other years, we're busier. But no matter what we get, it all helps out.”

St. Vincent serves about 75 families a week. A lot of people at Elmer's purchased brown paper bags filled with food items that'll help stock the food pantry shelves for the next four to six months.

On Monday, Elmer's employees packed between 30 to 40 brown bags stuffed with food.

Menard said thanks to local support, the pantry is still in better shape this year than last year.    

And how do the radio personalities feel about the Canathon?  

“I am very excited,” said WYKX Morning Show host, Mike Flavor. “That’s because everybody has been at a place in their life where they need a little bit of help. And if you haven't, you have to understand the people that do. You know, so if you've got it, give it."

The WYKX and WDBC Canathon's hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  If you'd like to drop off food or a donation, you can do so Tuesday and Wednesday at the three participating locations.