DENISON, TX -- The below freezing temperatures can be dangerous for those who have nowhere to go. So some Grayson College students and charities are stepping up to feed those in need during the cold nights.

The Grayson County Salvation Army says that they have seen a higher number of families asking for help this year. That reflects a national trend.

The US Census Bureau just released a new study, showing the number of Americans living in poverty edged up last year to a high of 49.7 million people. That's up by 15 percent from the year before.

Grayson College students decided they wanted to help people right here in their community, who find themselves in need..
Thursday, they hosted the empty bowls fundraiser, raising money for the Visions of Sugar Plums, which provides food to Pottsboro ISD during school breaks for students who qualify for free or reduced lunches.

People looking to give back could buy a bowl and eat soup made by Grayson College students for 10 dollars.

Director of Visions of Sugar Plums, Virgie Holbrook, says it wouldn't be possible to help the less fortunate without the help of others.

"If you take an average child and multiply that child by 200 and factor in all the days of Christmas vacation. That's a lot of food," said Holbrook.