GULF SHORES, Ala. — With the holiday season approaching and consistent financial trouble for families, the ability to pay for necessities lessens.

But a few Gulf Coast businesses are stepping up to lend a hand and bring relief to those struggling.

President of BancorpSouth Phillip Webb decided to take an active role in Ecumenical Ministries, Inc. and the services they provide.

As a result, from now until Nov. 21 residents can support a canned food drive by dropping off items at the BancorpSouth Gulf Shores branch.

Local marketer for the bank Sarah Cummings said that non-perishable items will be accepted and will be donated to the EMI food pantry.

“Especially with the holidays coming up they need to revamp their food bank,” Cummings said.

BancorpSouth is located on East 20th Ave., Suite 7 in the UpTown office complex.

Also offering help is Meyer Real Estate who will conduct a food drive now through Nov. 15.

Non-perishable items can be dropped off at offices around the island and in Perdido Key.

The food drive was organized by Meyer’s new Pleasure Island Leadership Association, which is focused on community philanthropy.

“We believe in giving back to the community,” Lolly Holk, a member of the association, said.

Meyer Real Estate has set a goal of 2,000 food items, and Holk said it is the obvious need that fueled the drive.

Director of EMI Pam Meredith said that during the months of August and September the food supply drops because there is such a demand.

“At the end of September our shelves were empty,” Meredith said. “We were having to purchase food on an as needed basis.”

She credits the demand to the cost of sending kids back to school and hurricane preparation.

“The budget for food hurts,” Meredith said. “We don’t want people not to have food for the holidays.”

In 2007, EMI serviced 1,022 clients — some of which represented an entire family.

Of those clients, 700 were in need of food. Almost 31,000 meals were distributed last year.

For long term help, EMI assists families in applying for food stamps and pays for transportation to get them to Bay Minette for their qualification meeting.