One community center in Hardin County held a food giveaway Friday morning, which provided not only help, but hope for some residents.

The Neighborhood Opportunity Center is the end of the line for families in Kenton. Many who were just making ends meet before the recession began, find themselves unable to now.

Dawn Braght and Jesse Murphy have seven children between them and only two unemployment checks to cover the cost of feeding and clothing them all.

"Unemployment, it's enough to pay the bills and a little bit here and there for the kids, things like birthdays, and stuff. But other than that unemployment doesn't give you a whole lot," said Murphy.

Umemployment is why they find themselves standing in line with friends and neighbors, waiting for their share of free food, empty boxes in hand. Both were laid off within weeks of each other.

"This is the first time for me and normally I just find a way to get my own," said Braght.

They are not alone. Requests for the center's help have tripled in just the last six months.

When the Neighborhood Opportunity Center announced the food giveaway about a month ago, they anticipated about 300 families would show up. That many were lined up before the giveaway even began and at least 300 more families showed up after.

With the West Ohio Food Bank donating the food and an anonymous donor covering the costs, Director B.J. Hall said he knew the need was great, but he never anticipated the turnout they had.

"I see people here I've known for many years, and they've lost everything they have -- they've lost their jobs, they've lost their homes, their automobiles," said Hall.

For at least a few days, the families won't have to worry about where their next meal will come from.

"Hopefully soon, someday," said Murphy.

Some hope this is the beginning of better days ahead.

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