'Tis the season of giving and holiday food basket donations help make this time of year a little easier for people in need.

The Irondequoit Community Cupboard on Culver Road assists 150 families every month — providing about 47,000 meals a year.

Volunteers will help distribute special Christmas food baskets and gifts to Irondequoit families Thursday night.

They also have a "Backpack Program" that provides breakfast and lunch every weekend for children in seven Irondequoit schools.

"As awesome as it is for people to help out during the holidays, our biggest need is the day-to-day need, especially thinking about food pantries in the summer time," said Debbie Evans, Irondequoit Community Cupboard. "We end up using what we get at the holidays to help kind of pace us out through the year."

If you need help with emergency food or clothing you are encouraged to call 211 for help connecting to resources in your community.