SURGE IN PLEDGES GRATIFIES FOOD BANK.

Byline: Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

Thousands of dollars in donations were made or pledged to the Los Angeles Food Bank on Wednesday after a news report highlighted the group's emptying pantry.

The food bank received nearly $4,000 in credit card donations Wednesday and received dozens of calls, with 50 additional calls for financial donations above and beyond its average intake and 35 additional calls for food donations, said food bank executive director Michael Flood.

``I am hopeful that it will keep the spotlight on the issue of hunger going into the new year and allow for food donations to go to us or the charities that we serve,'' Flood said.

With the promise of donations, Flood said it's unclear exactly how much the food bank will be helped. But he said the initial outpouring gives the food bank hope for the coming months, which are typically lean in terms of donations.

``It's a gratifying feeling that people care,'' he said.

In a Daily News story Wednesday, Flood said he saw a potential ``large- scale disaster'' if nothing changed.

So far this year, the food bank's reserve is down about 66 percent - or about 800,000 pounds of food - from last year. At the same time, the food bank has seen an increase in need of 33 percent.

Flood said the increase could be the result of working families not having enough money left to buy food after paying their bills.

``You have to pay rent, utilities and drive to work and food is unfortunately . . . the last thing on the list of the budget,'' Flood said.

Valley residents tried to help out Wednesday.

Betty Glaser, 57, of Sherman Oaks said she felt compelled to make a donation after the article.

``It's the Christmas holiday season and we could afford not to buy a couple of gifts and contribute to help the hungry,'' she said. ``We don't have a lot ourselves, but we felt we are a lot more fortunate than other people.''

Flood said he didn't know why there has been a decrease in donations. But there has been a drop in federal and private donations, and officials said more excess food is going to discount stores than in the past.

The food bank receives an average of 135,000 pounds of food a day, or three to four truckloads, and distributes to 320,0000 residents a week through 946 charities.

Those interested in making donations to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank can call [phone]. Dial extension 130 for food donations and extension 146 for financial contributions.