(RALEIGH) -- Families in need used to be able to stock their pantries with one stop at the food bank, but now they're making multiple trips to find what they need. Donations to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina are typically down during the summer months, but the food bank's Jennifer Caslin said it's even worse during this economy.

"While there's definitely more and more need and that's why the food is going out the door as fast as it is.  They are visiting our partner agencies and our partner food pantries and shelters more often now than they have been in the past," said Caslin.

The Food Bank hopes to stock up on donations by holding an online telethon this weekend. The novel approach to fundraising kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. and lasts 24 hours.