The Parker Task Force is preparing for yet another busy holiday season, and is hoping to stock its shelves for the winter with a food drive Nov. 14.

"We really count on this drive to hold us over through the winter and into the spring," said Jan Hastings, publicity coordinator for the task force.

With the economy's downturn, the task force has seen the numbers of people seeking food and other emergency assistance steadily increasing. The cold weather and holiday season places added stress on already tight budgets, Hastings said.

The 9Cares Colorado Shares food drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14. Donations will be accepted at the Parker King Soopers, Safeway, Wal-Mart and Sprouts stores, as well as the Parker Task Force, 20118 E. Mainstreet.

This is the only drive that the task force also collects gently used clothing and toys. These items can be dropped off at the task force building only.

At the 9Cares food drive in June, Parker collected about 20,000 pounds of food - more than any other satellite location, Hastings said. The donations helped residents of Parker, Franktown and Elizabeth.

Also around the corner, the task force will be making Thanksgiving food baskets for families in need. The task force expects to provide dinner to nearly 400 families this year. People can donate a basket or purchase a ready-made one for $50.

The task force also needs volunteers for the Christmas Adopt-a-Family program.

For details on this program, go to parkertaskforce.org or call 303-841-3460.

Because the task force is outgrowing its current facility, the nonprofit has entered into an agreement with the town to move into the police station building, once the new police station is completed next fall.

Erin Feese: 303-954-2953 or feesee@yourhub.com