CARROLLTON — Some local families will have a little more cheer this holiday season, thanks to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation’s Project CARE initiative. The program is assisting 66 families this holiday season, with $9,300 in funds and over 10,000 cans of food given to those in need.

Project CARE is the community assistance initiative of the West Georgia Technical College Foundation, designed to help WGTC students and employees meet basic needs at holiday time. It consists of both financial assistance and a food drive to help students, faculty and staff who are in need of assistance.

“Through Project CARE, the entire West Georgia Tech family made a tremendous effort to help local families who are struggling,” said Kim Learnard, executive director of the WGTC Foundation. “This year we were able to assist more families than ever before and I am proud to report that we had our best year ever with more than 10,000 cans collected. This has been a humbling and gratifying process, and I want to thank everyone who came together to help.”

Assistance is open to current students and internal employees of West Georgia Technical College. Families applied for Project CARE assistance through West Georgia Tech’s website.

The West Georgia Tech Foundation raises funds for Project CARE throughout the year through employee contributions and fundraisers.

“I’m amazed at the spirit of giving that West Georgia Tech students and internal staff exhibit, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year as well,” said WGTC President Steve G. Daniel. “There are many among us who are not as fortunate as we are, and it gives me great pride to see the West Georgia Tech family come together to assist those in need.”