Numbers have held steady over 2014 so far this year at the Good Cheer Food Bank, which means the need is just the same as its record high.

The food bank serves people living between Clinton and Greenbank, a population estimated to be about 20,000 in all. Of that total, 20 percent or 4,593 people used the food bank at least once in 2014.

With the weather rapidly cooling, prompting the first open night for the South Whidbey Warming Center in Langley on Nov. 19 as temperatures dropped below 36 degrees, food bank Coordinator Karen Korbelik said a choice has to be made for many impoverished families.

“Once the cold snap hits, people can panic when you’re cold or hungry or both … Both things cost money,” she said.

That’s where the Good Cheer Food Bank in Bayview steps in, offering food of choice to its customers. During the winter holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, special orders of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes and all of the traditional meal offerings are made available.

This year, the food bank has ordered 1,000 turkeys, weighing between 10 and 12 pounds each. Those big birds will help feed an estimated 1,000 households, a little more than the monthly average of 923. In a typical month, between 57,000 and 60,000 pounds of food is purchased from the Bayview-based food bank.

In 2014, the food bank watched its number of customers grow month to month over the previous year. As this year’s monthly totals were tallied, seeing the amount stabilize was a welcome sign for Korbelik and the rest of the Good Cheer staff.

“It’s a positive thing, but last year was our highest numbers ever,” she said.

With need failing to wane, securing donations of food and cash is important over the next two months, Korbelik said. Both can be made at the food bank, and donations can be made online at http://goodcheer.org.

The food bank accepts most food donations, especially non-perishable items. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are accepted, however, as are household items such as laundry detergent, soap and shampoo, which the food bank does not purchase. Korbelik said those items tend to be purchased quickly.

When it comes to foods, Korbelik and the food bank encourage people to donate whatever they like to eat or find special and meaningful during the holidays.

“Share of your tradition,” she said.

Puget Sound Energy offered a $500 matching grant to purchase turkeys this Thanksgiving. If it is met, another 70 turkeys will be bought.

Food donation bins are available at the Red Apple, Goose, and Payless grocery stores on South Whidbey.