MIDDLESBORO, Ky. — The Salvation Army of Middlesboro and Southeast Kentucky said it is seeing an "unprecedented" increase in requests for food assistance.

The organization said the increase is across Bell, Harlan, Knox, Laurel and Whitley counties in Kentucky and Claiborne County in Tennessee. Salvation Army leaders said over the past three weeks, demand has surged to the point that the local food pantry "has been completely exhausted."

"Our food pantry simply cannot keep up with the growing need in our community," said Middlesboro Corps Officer Captain Carrie McCall. "Just today, a senior citizens’ facility reached out requesting food boxes for 20 to 30 of their residents. We are asking the public for urgent assistance—our neighbors are counting on us, and we cannot do it without your

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