As the days grow shorter and cooler, thoughts often turn to the holiday season and the special moments this time of year brings. Families gather around the dinner table to share both each other’s company and indulgent meals.

Unfortunately, some families in the River Parishes will have less to be thankful for than others as tough economic times have left many struggling just to put any kind of food on the table much less what most of us would consider a proper Christmas dinner.

With this in mind, L’Observateur has begun collecting donations for this year’s “Food for Families” program. See the ad on page 4B of the “Lifestyles” section to find out more about how to make a donation or to nominate a family in need.

Now in its sixth year, the program is shifting gears somewhat this year so that it might provide the best possible service to the community. This year in lieu of collecting food, L’Observateur will be accepting monetary donations, which will go toward the purchase of grocery vouchers at local supermarkets. By going this route, we are hoping to ensure everyone gets exactly what they need, thereby cutting down on waste.

Food donations will still be accepted at our office, but instead of distributing it directly to families, we will be bringing all of it to the Ministry of Care in LaPlace.

So, this holiday season dig deep to help your less fortunate neighbors, friends and colleagues. You can rest assured 100 percent of the money collected is going to helping those in need, and your donations will make a visible difference in the lives of the people you see every day.

Don’t let the holiday season come and go without doing something truly in the spirit of the season. The Dec. 11 deadline is right around the corner. Just stop by L’Observateur’s office at 116 Newspaper Dr. (behind Destiny Christian Center just off Main Street in LaPlace) anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday to drop off you donation or nomination form. We will also accept donations or nominations through the mail.

Together, we truly have the chance to make the River Parishes a better place to live.