A little help can go a long way, especially when it comes to food for the less fortunate around the holidays.

Every year, Kristi Sahlinger’s Newport GU-13 Red soccer team, part of the Newport Youth Soccer Club, takes part in a community service project to help those in need. This year, the club chose to partner with Hopelink and to help with a food drive.

Sahlinger’s club began its food drive on Nov. 11 and concluded the project on Nov. 22. The team used personal collections from family, friends and neighbors to round up three bins, four full boxes and 16 bags of groceries that will help to feed those less fortunate.

Donating food is more important than ever these days. Hopelink reports that requests for an emergency food bag have increased by 71 percent, monthly visits for the food bank have increased by 29 percent and daily inquiries for housing assistance have increased 67 percent.

Learn more about Hopelink at www.hope-link.org.