LAPLACE – With the holiday season fast approaching, it is time once again for L’Observateur to ask its loyal readers to help us give a little more back to the community as we kick off our fourth annual “Food for Families” drive.

We at L’Observateur request the assistance of River Region residents and businesses to join with us in collecting non-perishable food items, or with monetary donations, for needy families in St. John the Baptist and surrounding parishes.

“The food drive is just a small project that we all feel spreads a little good will toward those who might be less fortunate,” said L’Observateur Publisher Kevin Chiri. “Giving back to others is what the Christmas

season is all about, and I am confident that there are many people in this region who share our sentiments.”

From now until Tuesday, December 18, the L’Observateur staff will be looking for donations of rice, pasta, dry cereal, canned good, and any other non-perishable food items. We will also accept monetary donations, which will be used to purchase foods.

Then on Saturday, December 22, employees, family, and friends of the newspaper will personally deliver food boxes created from all the donations. We are looking to surpass the success of last year, when L’Observateur delivered 135 boxes to area families.

“The fun really begins when we get to finally deliver the food,” said Chiri. “It’s truly uplifting to see the expressions on the faces of these folks when they find out they have not been forgotten.”

Individuals or businesses that would like to participate may mail monetary donations to “Food for Families,” c/o L’Observateur, P.O. Box 1010, LaPlace, La., 70069. Food donations can be dropped off at our newspaper office, located at 116 Newspaper Dr., just off Hwy. 44 (old Main Street).

The staff of L’Observateur thanks you in advance for your support.