DURANT, Okla. -- Things are getting more expensive everyday, leaving many in need. Assistance agencies are also feeling the effects of hard times. Stephanie Brletic has more on what Durant groups are doing to adjust to tough economic times.

During hard times many people rely on agencies like Big Five and Families Feeding Families in Durant. But to keep helping those in need, those organizations are changing the way they do business.

With gas prices on the rise, the big five executive director says the organization will not cut back service but will consolidate transportation, like scheduling an upcoming golf tournament and training seminar for the same weekend in Ardmore so they only have to make one trip rather than two.

Trisha Burkhalter says Families Feeding Families is also facing challenges, with more and more people seeking out their services.

"We’re seeing a lot more carpools, a lot more families coming in as a family. Our food costs have gone up, and just requests overall for diaper needs and clothing and food," Burkhalter says.

Burkhalter says families feeding families is gathering school supplies for children in need but says this year she expects more kids than ever, and unfortunately because of the poor economy not as many people are able to help donate.

http://www.bigfive.org

http://www.familiesfeedingfamilies.org/