DECATUR - Food pantries are keeping stocked after the winter storm with a lot of help from the community.

"People are stepping up with donations," said Jill Applebee, director of First Call for Help. "I think we're in good shape. The community is doing a great job pulling together."

First Call for Help is an organization that connects individuals to the help they need, including food pantries, clothing and financial assistance.

Home repairs are hard to find, especially now, Applebee said. She suggested contacting the city's Emergency Grant Program, which provides low- to moderate-income households with help on emergency electrical issues.

Applebee said First Call for Help has been so busy after the storm that they are currently taking calls 24-hours until further notice.

"We're taking one need at a time," she said. "Everyone's situation is different."

Jerry Pelz, director of Northeast Community Fund, said, "The (food) donations have been quite good, but the need has been good, too."

Pelz said, before, not many people were showing up to the facility; he thinks people were having a hard time getting to the place due to the weather.

"I think we'll see an increase in need now," he said, noting the slightly warmer weather. He said they were becoming busy as of Wednesday afternoon.

"People have lost a lot of food. Hopefully, what we have is going to be enough to get us through," he said.

Aside from food, the organization plans to provide furniture to an individual whose roof collapsed, as well as clothing to folks who need them.

Good Samaritan Inn has also seen more food donations, but not as many people as expected to use the facility.

"A lot of folks couldn't get out like they usually do," said Fred Hill, one of the volunteer organizers at the inn. He said a lot of the people who come to the inn walk there.

"We've received a lot of donations coming in," he said. He mentioned Kroger, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Saint Mary's Hospital and individuals who have donated food recently.

"Every day someone is constantly bringing in something," he said. "Most people are in the spirit of giving during the holiday season."

Alicia Spates can be reached at aspates@herald-review.com or 421-6986.