A drastic drop in donations has food pantries across Long Island making a desperate plea for help.

The Long Island Council of Churches operates three pantries, including one in Freeport. The organization says that a lot of its shelves are bare, but demand is up by 10 percent.

This time of year is when volunteers say people are most vulnerable. "We often think of our neighbors in need when it's Christmastime," said Rev. Thomas Goodhue. "We don't necessarily think of them after the first of the year."

Goodhue says residents should not be afraid to donate food that has passed its use-by date. His staff is trained to recognize what is oftentimes still safe to eat.