Once again this year, The Daily News is thrilled to be sponsoring the 2016 Care and Share program.

For those who are unfamiliar with this program, it collects donations from the citizens and businesses, with the proceeds going to help provide food vouchers for needy families and citizens during the Christmas season. Our goal is to provide 75 households with the vouchers to buy groceries from local merchants.

However, the only way that the program is successful is with the help of giving, caring donors in our community. We have already received several donations, and we are extremely grateful for those who have given to the cause so far. That money will go to bring joy to needy citizens in our community this year.

Unfortunately, we still have quite a way to go to match what we were able to raise last year. In 2015, we raised almost $1,400 in the Care and Share program, and those funds were used to provide help to 50 households in the parish.

So far this year, we have raised a little more than $300.

I am urging every citizen in the parish, as well as local businesses, to consider giving something to this worthwhile, meaningful program.

There are many reasons we feel that this program is so wonderful for our community. It is horrible for any citizen to go hungry, but it is especially tragic when it happens during the cheer of the Christmas season. The recipients get vouchers that can only be used at grocery stores and similar merchants, so you know that your donation will be going toward nutritional food for families and nothing else. Finally, the program also benefits our local businesses, because they are the purchasing point for those who receive the vouchers.

If you wish to make a donation, you can stop by our office at 525 Ave. V in Bogalusa, or you can mail your check to “Care and Share, c/o The Daily News, P.O. Box 820, Bogalusa, LA 70429.” Every little bit helps!

Certainly, we all enjoy getting presents on Christmas. But there are many in our community who only want the gift of delicious, nutritious food to enjoy with their families during the holidays. With your help, we can bring that joy to those citizens in need in Washington Parish.