MONCTON, N.B.  – The Food Depot Alimentaire is looking for cash donations and volunteers to fill Christmas food boxes.

The annual Christmas food drive is officially underway, and this year, the organization needs to fill more than 1,850 boxes for less fortunate families in Moncton and Dieppe.

Managing director Ray Gould says the number of boxes needed will likely rise, as families are still registering.

Gould says the boxes are filled with fresh food, so donations of cash are needed to make purchases.

It costs about $75 for each family.

Food donations are also needed to maintain the everyday operations of area food banks.

As well, hundreds of volunteers will be needed on December 19 to help pack the boxes.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Food Depot Alimentaire at 383-4281.