CRYSTAL RIVER - As social service agencies in Citrus County worked this past week to meet the needs of the victims of Frances, they kept an eye on the looming threat just over the horizon.
No, not Hurricane Ivan.
Officials at the local agencies worry about how they will restock their steadily dwindling supplies at food pantries and shelters at a time when people are focused on contributing to major hurricane relief organizations.
"The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army really do a good job, but the money that they raise doesn't necessarily stay in Citrus County," said John Marmish, the executive director of the United Way of Citrus County.
The storms could not have come at a worse time for the United Way, which is embarking on its annual fundraising drive. A packet that includes a letter from the campaign chairman and a pledge card can be found in today's St. Petersburg Times.
The organization hopes to raise $650,000 during the drive, which started earlier this month and will continue until December. Last year, it set out to raise $700,000, but only netted $527,000, Marmish said.
"We thought that maybe the $700,000 was a bit too lofty," he said.
The United Way will distribute the money to more than two dozen agencies in the county, from abuse shelters to food pantries.
One of those organizations is Citrus United Basket, which has been inundated this week with families in search of food, clothing and supplies, said Nola Gravius, the executive director.
"It's busy," she said.
Over a two-day period this week, workers at the Inverness office distributed items to 120 families, she said. By midday Friday, they had already tended to the needs of 24 families.
Other groups were experiencing a similar rush.
On Friday, workers at the Family Resource Center of Citrus County gave out food and other items to 10 families, three of which had six to 10 children, said Ginger West, the executive director.
"We're dangerously low on food," she said.
The situation would be even more dire if a woman had not purchased $400 worth of groceries and dropped them off Thursday, West said.
"As long as there's one can in there, we're going to keep giving out food," she said.
In the meantime, both Citrus United Basket and the Family Resource Center will pick up some food taken in during a Nature Coast Volunteer Center donation drive held Friday.
West was hopeful they would replenish their cupboards.
"I think the generous people in this community will look out for one another," she said. "The people who are not hurt by this storm will take care of the people who are hurt by it. I know they will."
