Area residents have the opportunity to share the holiday spirit with senior citizens and families in need.

During the season of giving, the Jeff Davis Parish Council on Aging and KLFY TV 10 are asking residents to participate in their annual FoodNet Food for Families Food Drive.

Residents can help the Council on Aging provide food to those in need and replenish the shelves of its food pantry by donating non-perishable food items, toiletries, paper goods and other essential items for senior citizens and low income families.

All donations will go directly to the Council on Aging’s food pantry which serves hundreds of senior citizens and families annually, according to Council on Aging Director Helen Langley.

“Our pantry is always low at this time of year,” Langley said.

Langley said it has been a really tough year for the food pantry which has served nearly 300 senior citizens and local families, many who are facing financial struggles.

“We have seen an increase in need in the last year because groceries are so high,” she said.

The FoodNet Food for Families Food Drive will be held 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Council on Aging, 210 State Street in Jennings. Volunteers will be available to help unload donations at the drive thru collection site.

Donations of canned meats, soups, vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, hot and cold cereal, small bags of rice, ready-to-eat meals and other non-perishable food items are needed.

“Anything which has high protein in it is really needed,” Langley said. “There is also a big request for canned fruit because a lot of people have trouble eating because they have had surgery or have problems with their stomach.”

Essentials like t-paste and toothbrushes, hair products, soap and other toiletries and paper products are also needed. Monetary donations will also be accepted to help keep the pantry stocked.

The food pantry is open year-round for anyone in need including the elderly, disabled person, veterans and those with young families.

If the food pantry is low, persons may be asked to provide a driver’s license and proof of income.

For more information, call the Council on Aging at 337-824-5504.