A Thomaston man is calling on the community to help local food pantries.

David LeManna, managing member of Thomaston Insurance, says many of the pantries have taken a hit due to people directing their efforts to help the victims of the hurricanes in Houston, Florida and Puerto Rico.

The director of the Thomaston Food Pantry, for example, says that their shelves will be empty by the end of the week.

LeManna says while it's great that people have been donating to help hurricane victims, they shouldn’t forget to think local. He says he and another local business, Plymouth Glass, organized a food drive to help food pantries in the surrounding area.

They say the need for donations tends to spike right before the holiday season, and they are trying to raise awareness about it.

Residents can drop off financial and food donations at Thomaston Insurance at 89 Main St. or Plymouth Glass at 142 Main St. Thomaston Insurance can also be reached at 860-283-0278.

They are hoping to receive the bulk of their donations by Nov. 10.