SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, rising costs are putting an added strain on families in need of food and clothing assistance.

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania is helping ease that burden through Angel’s Attic Food and Clothing Pantry in Scranton, providing essential resources to those who need them most.

Angel’s Attic is also seeing increased demand, already surpassing last year’s numbers, according to United Neighborhood Centers.

Beyond providing food and clothing, Director of Development and Communications with United Neighborhood Centers Chrissy Manuel said the pantry connects individuals and families with a case manager who can help address financial challenges, food insecurity, and other needs.

“They’re able to register and they sit down and do a needs assessment with a case manager who can also connect them to other services that UNC provides. We provide housing assistance, rent and utility assistance. We have childcare centers and senior centers and community health programs and community education programs. It’s really nice because we’re able to do a more holistic assessment of people and help them meet other needs that they may have that can also help them with their family budget and addressing food insecurity,” said Manuel.

Manuel said demand has increased significantly compared to last year and is expected to climb through November and December as families face rising heating costs, holiday expenses and other financial pressures.

“We’re seeing about 600 people a week. So, it just depends. Each day is different. But already today it’s 11:30 a.m., and we’ve seen over 50 people. It’s a high volume. And I will say, last year at this time it was more like 400 people. So, it’s been like a 50% increase,” said Manuel.

“We’re just getting started in the colder season. As people are turning their heat on and things like that, we will definitely see a big spike of people that are looking for these supports because their household budget is going to change,” said Manuel.

Manuel said donations are always needed, including clothing and nonperishable food items, with contributions welcomed from individuals, local businesses, and grocery stores.

Manuel also said Angel’s Attic stands out for its personal connections, with staff and volunteers creating a welcoming space where people feel comfortable seeking support.

“We have so many caring staff and volunteers, and we do sit down with each person who comes in. We register them, we do a needs assessment and intake, and we make sure that we really look holistically at their situation and help them improve like their family, their stability, and food is just one piece of that. It’s a very important piece. We welcome people to stop in if they need our assistance. We’re always happy to provide support,” said Manuel.

The organization shared that they are also preparing to launch their annual Feed a Friend Campaign, helping families with children put Thanksgiving meals on the table.

Angel’s Attic is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with extended hours on Tuesdays until 7 p.m.