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Group says shelves at homeless youth center nearly bare as holiday giving tapers off

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SALT LAKE CITY - The shelves are almost empty, and the urgency is high.

"Things are tough right now," said Rob Wesemann with Volunteers of America.

Volunteers of America runs a youth homeless resource center in Salt Lake City, and during the winter, particularly around Christmas time, the donations pour in.

"It's the holidays, everyone's in the spirit," Wesemann adds.

But all that has changed. Normally, the resource center can help feed about 80 kids, ages 15-22, each month. However, supplies and donations are so limited and the shelves so empty lately that they can't afford to help as many people.

"Right now, we can only help to feed two or three," Wesemann said.

Since December, Wesemann said the shelter has lost roughly 75 percent of donations. However, he expects that number to increase by summer. VOA helps provide more than just food to teenagers who are looking to get back on their feet.

“You can get some clothes items, you can shower, you can wash your clothes," Wesemann points out. "Really, it’s a place to be safe while they regroup and think about what they are going to do.”

Those looking to help can either drop donations off at 655 South State Street in Salt Lake City, or contribute by clicking here.