AUSTIN, Texas — The Central Texas Food Bank needs the community's help.
The food bank said Monday that it has been seeing an unusual number of volunteer cancellations, right when operations ramp up for the holidays. At the time, the food bank said it needed 186 more volunteers in its warehouse between Monday and Saturday.
As of 11 a.m. Friday, there were still 15 volunteer shifts available for Friday and Saturday.
In total, the food bank's volunteer hub lists more than 600 available shifts between now and the end of the year. Those include shifts in the food bank's garden, warehouse, mobile food pantries and more.
RELATED: More than 20 organizations to receive grant from Austin leaders to help food justice efforts
Earlier this month, the food bank announced plans to hand out 17,000 turkeys and holiday meals this Thanksgiving. It said it has been seeing an increased demand for food assistance this year, and the new initiative is a way for it to make sure Central Texans have a happy holiday season.
Monetary donations to the food bank are also being doubled through the end of the year. According to the food bank's website, the Beaumont Foundation and Methodist Healthcare Ministries are offering a matching grant this holiday season. Through midnight on Dec. 31, every donation will be matched, up to $400,000.
The Central Texas Food Bank is located at 6500 Metropolis Drive in Austin.
Learn more about getting involved or getting help if your family is in need.