The Monroe Food Pantry saw a 30-percent drop in donations in November.  First Selectman Steve Vavrek told the Monroe Courier that both food and cash donations are down headed into the holiday season.  There are about 275 families who need assistance because of financial hardships.  The Courier reports that patrons come in once a month for non-perishable items and once a week for fresh produce and bread.  It's free for registered families.