Morgantown, W.V. (AP) -- A food bank that covers most of West Virginia is counting on hunters to help this winter.

With Antlerless Deer Season under way and Muzzleloader Season yet to begin, donations to hunters helping the hungry are still arriving.

Program Coordinator Jerry Westfall says the initial figures suggest people are being generous, but final figures won't be available until January.

Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway says the help can't come soon enough for community food pantries, churches, soup kitchens and other programs that feed needy families.

Executive Director Carla Nardella says her organization typically reaches 260,000 people a month through 475 feeding programs.

This year, though, its partners say even more people are asking for help.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)