The Care and Share Drive got off to a good start with many donations last weekend.

David Davidson, chairman of the VFW Post 8967 drive, said the patrons of the Family Center IGA gave generously to volunteers manning table at the store.

The annual drive to collect food so that less fortunate families in Port Aransas will have Christmas dinner is conducted each year by the VFW Post 8967.

Volunteers will man a table at the Family Center IGA, 416 Alister St., from 8 a.m. to p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 17. On weekdays, contributions may be put in a box at the Family Center or dropped off at the post home, 311 N. Alister St. Cash contributions may be mailed to Care and Share, c/o VFW Post 8967, P.O. Box 1447, Port Aransas, TX 78373.

Donations of nonperishable food items to complement a Christmas dinner will be accepted. Cash contributions also will be accepted to pay for perishables, such as hams and turkeys.

Eligible families that would like to receive a box of goods to make a Christmas dinner should sign up at city hall, 710 W. Ave. A, or at the post home no later than Wednesday, Dec. 20. They must provide a name, complete street address, telephone number and proof of residency in Port Aransas.

VFW members and volunteer helpers will sort and box the food during the week of Dec. 18, then add the hams and turkeys. Boxes will be packed ,and deliveries will be made Thursday, Dec. 21. Families receiving the boxes must make sure someone is at home to receive the food.

For further information, call the VFW at 749-6534.