Donations needed for Christmas fund posted Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 @ 1:10 pm  E-mail Story |  Print Story  Donations during the first week of the annual Concordia Christmas Charity Fund totaled $2,970, according to chairman Rena Pitts. Those wishing to contribute may do at either branch of Concordia Bank, Delta Bank and Tensas Bank. All donations will be recognized in the Concordia Sentinel. Distribution of the toys and food purchased through the fund drive will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 21 at the Ferriday High School cafeteria. In 2011, volunteers filled 250 bags with food for needy families and provided toys for children. Pitts said 200 families and 32 senior citizens received donations last year and that toys were provided to 500 children ages one through 12. Applications can be picked up at any of the banks and the Delta Music Museum. Pitts said the initial response for applications this year indicates that those requesting assistance will exceed last year's total. Toys will be provided to the parish children between the ages of 1 and 12 and food baskets will be given to the families and senior citizens. The fund was established in 1988 following a Christmas holiday scam when outside promoters raised money for the needy and skipped town. One hundred percent of money donated goes to Concordia needy and all charity committee members work on a volunteer basis. Donations during the first week included: Tensas State Bank, $500; Delta Bank, $700; Concordia Bank, $1,000; Rena, Elizabeth, Savannah, Victoria, Blayne, $500, in memory of Ray and L'il Ray Pitts; Matron's Civic Club, $50; New Morning Star Baptist Church, $100; Larry Elders, $20, in memory of Lester Elders; Jackie and Leo Young, $100, in memory of Jack Adams. For the full story, subscribe to the The Concordia Sentinel's NEW E-Edition!