An early morning fire on Friday caused extensive damage to the Trenton food pantry of the Crisis Ministry of Princeton and Trenton, which provides food to the needy throughout Mercer County. 

The fire happened at 123 E. Hanover Street in Trenton and the Trenton Fire Department responded quickly and had the fire under control in less than an hour, according to Crisis Ministry. 

Still, it's a week before Christmas and there are families throughout Mercer County which rely on Crisis Ministry for food. 

"We do need your help more than ever now," Crisis Ministry's Executive Director Carolyn Biondi posted on Facebook on Friday. "We need food to replace what was lost in our pantry. Financial donations are always welcome to support our neighbors in need."

Want to help? Here are several ways:

Click here to make on online donation to Crisis Ministry. 

2. Write a check to the Crisis Ministry of Princeton and Trenton and drop it off at Nassau Presbyterian Church or Trinity Church. 

3. Donate food to Crisis Ministry's Princeton food pantry in the basement of Nassau Presbyterian Church. Food donations are also being accepted at Trinity Church, Nassau Presbyterian and Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville. Here's a list of preferred items:

• Canned proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken, chili) 
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Shelf-stable milk (like Parmalat) 
• Peanut butter  
• Canned potatoes  
• Cans of fruit, low-fructose  
• Hot cereal (oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat)   
• Small/medium box of cold cereal   
• 1–2 lbs. pasta 
• Boxed macaroni and cheese 
• 2 lbs. rice   
• 1 lb. dried beans  
• Honey (plastic container) 
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner 
• Razors and shaving cream
• Soaps and lotions
• feminine hygiene products

4. Shop at McCaffrey's and donate your receipts within three months. Mail your McCaffrey's receipts to Crisis Ministry at 123 E. Hanover St., Trenton, NJ 08608, or leave them in the designated boxes at Nassau Presbyterian Church or Trinity Church in Princeton. Crisis Ministry receives 1 percent of the total value of the receipts. 

Crisis Ministry is now in the process of cleaning up after the fire. They are looking into alternatives in Trenton for a temporary pantry, including the new satellite pantry at the former Bethany Presbyterian Church in Trenton. 

Administrative operations and the Homelessness Prevention program will be closed on Monday, but hopefully will be operating in a limited capacity by Tuesday in adjacent space in Trenton which was undamaged.