BREWER – The city and school department have kicked off their annual Holiday Food Drive and organizers are saying the need this year is greater than ever.

“Many families who have previously been able to get by without assistance are now in need,” said Nat Perry, Brewer’s director of health and human services.

The food drive runs through Dec. 18 and those interested in contributing may drop off nonperishable food and donations at Brewer High School, Washington Street School, Brewer Auditorium, City Hall and Brewer Public Library.

“The need here in our own community is very significant this year, and we are asking for your help in ensuring that people’s most basic needs are met this winter,” the press release states.

The donations will benefit the Brewer Christian Food Cupboard, which helps to feed residents within the city and those in Eddington, Holden, Clifton, Dedham and Orrington, and the Brewer Community Service Council, which provided holiday food baskets for needy Brewer families.