During the holiday season, food banks often report a dramatic rise in the amount of need requested by local families and individuals.

For example, the Renewal Food Bank in Bellevue serves an average of 230 families each week, up 33 percent compared to last year.

However, hunger is not the only issue this time of year.

The Puget Sound Blood Center (PSBC) reports a decline in blood donations during the holidays, causing a shortage for those needing blood transfusions. The PSBC points to a rise in car accidents due to increased commuter traffic, travel and alcohol-related crashes and an increase in everyday illnesses like the flu, as the main culprits preventing people from donating blood.

In December, the Renewal Food Bank and PSBC will partner together to raise awareness and much-needed donations. The blood and food drive will run from Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 and is open to individuals, organizations and businesses around the area.

To add a little competition to the charitable cause, local businesses are encouraged to sign up as a donor team, giving both blood and collecting canned food during the two week. Large bins will be set up at the PSBC to collect the non-perishable foods. Teams can register by contacting SocialNet@psbc.org or calling 425-462-4383. The Puget Sound Blood Center, Bellevue Donor Center is located at 1021 112th Ave. NE. For more information on PSBC, visit www.psbc.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PugetSoundBloodCenter.

Renewal Food Bank is located at 2015 Richards Road in Bellevue and is a part of the Northwest Harvest Hunger Relief Network and a partner agency of Food Lifeline. For more information on the Renewal Food Bank, visit www.worldimpactnetwork.org or call 425-643-8246.

Food Bank Hours:

Monday: 9 a.m.-noon and 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 9 a.m.-noon

One person from each household may visit one session per week.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425-453-4602.