NATCHEZ — Times are hard for some families during the holidays, and sharing a Christmas gift or having food on the table can make a difference.

The Concordia Christmas Charity Fund, a program funded through the donations of area residents and businesses, helps provide less-fortunate families with groceries and at least one toy for children.

The program, which began in 1988, is now an organization that is sponsored by the Ferriday Rotary Club.

Monetary donations can be made at Vidalia and Ferriday branches of Concordia Bank, Delta Bank and Tensas State Bank.

“We need the ones who make donations to the fund to do so as soon as possible,” said fund director Rena Pitts.

Pitts said Walmart donates employee time to find age appropriate toys for each age group of children. The toys are then taken to Ferriday High School cafeteria to be distributed.

“First Natchez Radio Group donates toys and money to the fund as well,” Pitts said. “There are so many children who may not have a toy for Christmas. If it were not for the generosity of the parish and community, we could not accomplish this.”

Approximately 550 children received toys from the fund in 2013, and 250 families received a bag of groceries — worth $30 each — in 2013.

The group will distribute toys and groceries at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 20 at the Ferriday High School cafeteria.

Applications for those who need assistance from the fund can be picked up at any of the area banks — deadline for applications is Wednesday.

Monetary donations can be made to the fund before and after the distribution.

For more information, contact Pitts at 318-757-2320.