HILLTOWNS — Although faced with an unprecedented level of need due to the coronavirus and subsequent shutdowns, the Hilltowns Community Resource Center is keeping up with the demand thanks to local donations. 

Program Coordinator Mary Beth Peterson told The Enterprise that although some of the center’s past donors are now the ones receiving donations, a $3,000 donation of food from the Carey Institute for Global Good, based in Rensselaerville, as well as help from people off the Hill, are allowing the center to keep up with increased demand for daily necessities.

“Our numbers have gone up 75-percent,” Peterson said of donations handed out. “So there’s a need.”

“A lot of donors have become clients,” she said. “Those that can [donate], do.” 

Many of those donations come from Guilderland and Altamont, where Peterson said people have been “being very generous.” 

“The biggest thing we need is meat,” Peterson added. “We can barely keep it in stock.” 

Meat supply has been a point of focus nationally as plants close down, threatening its availability in grocery stores. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that aims to keep plants running through the pandemic, with the assistance of the government in an as-yet vague capacity. 

In advising people on the ideal product to donate at this point, Peterson explained that, given the number of families with kids, ground beef is the way to go. 

“Hamburger seems to be the most family-friendly meal to give out,” Peterson said.