FERRIDAY — The Ferriday Chamber of Commerce will be continuing its two-decade-old tradition of helping local families in need this Christmas through the Concordia Christmas Charity fund.

Less fortunate families receive help through the fund from volunteers parish-wide who give their time and money to make the season bright.

The organization is currently accepting donations for its Christmas shopping and welcomes any volunteers who wish to help hand out presents and groceries.

“The money comes from donations from the community whether anonymously or in memory (of someone),” Director Rena Pitts said.

Volunteers can work in various groups sorting through gender and age specific toys provided by Walmart and preparing grocery baskets for families and elderly people in the area, Pitts said.

Pitts said applications for the baskets are required for the families who want to be helped by the fund.

“We research the applications turned in to see if the family really needs help,” she said.

Pitts said while the charity has been going strong for more than 20 years, it got off to a rocky start.

“In the late 1980s, a group came in and said they were raising money for needy children, and then when time came to help, the group took off,” she said. “After that, a group in Ferriday got together and took on the responsibility ourselves.”

Pitts said ever since that first year, the Christmas fund has been blessed with volunteers and monetary donations that have helped thousands of parish residents in need.

Names of those donating and the amount given are printed in The Concordia Sentinel.

“People can make donations at the Delta Music Museum, or any of the three banks in Concordia Parish, Tensas State Bank, Delta Bank and Concordia Bank,” Pitts said.

Anyone wanting to fill out an application to receive help can also go to any of these locations for an application.

Monetary donations can be made to the Delta Music Museum or any of the three banks in Concordia Parish which include, Tensas State Bank, Delta Bank and Concordia Bank.

Anyone who wants to volunteer their time can contact Rena Pitts at 318-757-2320.