FERRIDAY &045;&045; When you’re compiling a gift-giving list this Christmas season, don’t forget to add another recipient &045;&045; the Concordia Christmas Charity Fund.

Now its 15th year, the volunteer-driven effort hands out bags full of groceries and toys to well over 200 families each year at Christmas.

This year, distribution of the packages will be held Dec. 23 in the cafeteria of Ferriday High School.

But first, thousands of dollars in funds must be raised &045;&045; and that is where local residents and businesses come in, according to fund Co-Chairs Dorothy Parker and Tommy Massey.

Donations to the fund can be made at any branch of Concordia Bank, Delta Bank and Tensas State Bank, with proceeds going to purchase food and toys for needy families in Concordia Parish.

Letters are now being printed to solicit donations from area businesses, Massey said.

The Charity Fund accepts donations year-round, so donations received after the purchases are made will be put toward next year’s goal.

The program is open each year to low-income families, with applications for assistance distributed mostly through Concordia Parish’s town halls, churches and schools.

This year, the deadline for applications to be returned is Dec. 9, Parker said.

And for those who can make the time, there’s yet another date to remember &045;&045; Dec. 22.

On that date, starting at 4 p.m., volunteers will be at Ferriday High, sorting applications and filling bags with groceries and toys. &uot;And we could always use more volunteers&uot; from throughout the Miss-Lou, Massey said.