This holiday season, BI-LO Charities will be working with members of the Millen community to provide much-needed food for Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center.

During these tough economic times, more families are worrying about how they will put food on the table. With the help of the community, the Hunger Relief Program can help alleviate some of these families' worries during the holidays.

Until Wednesday, Dec. 24, BI-LO customers in Millen can help their fellow citizens in need by purchasing a bag of groceries containing essential, non-perishable food items for $5. The groceries will be donated to Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center, who will then distribute the groceries to local families who have the greatest need.

Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center has recently seen a large increase in demand for food assistance. They have served more than 20 people this month already.

"We are seeing some families that need food every day, and there are many people coming to us who have never had to ask for assistance before," said Mandy Underwood, fiscal manager at Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center. "We are thankful to have the Hunger Relief Program helping to support our efforts this holiday season."

The Holiday Hunger Relief bags, which are available for purchase at the BI-LO location in Millen, are filled with items that are most often requested by food bank customers: green beans, macaroni and cheese, evaporated milk, tuna, chicken noodle soup, beef ravioli and canned potatoes.

"BI-LO Charities has sponsored a holiday food drive for many years. The Holiday Hunger Relief Program is a great opportunity for us to team up with our customers and help people in our community who are in need this holiday season," said Carol Browning, director of BI-LO Charities, Inc.