One adage claims that “No news is good news.” But when your family is hungry and money is tight, it’s good news that Mercer County area residents are willing to help.

Today is the beginning of the annual Good News Fund drive sponsored by The Herald and now in its 16th year of providing turkeys at Christmas for families who are struggling financially.

With the state of this year’s economy, the need is even greater for those who have some money to help out the less fortunate. We can only hope that local people help as they have in the past.

This is a time when holiday lights won’t shine as brightly for many people. People are losing jobs and families are losing their homes. Some senior citizens must decide whether to spend their meager savings on food or medicine.

Many of us have seen our potential retirement funds shrink as the stock market dropped. But we still are lucky enough to be working or have other means of income. Others are more worried about their immediate future, because they are wondering where their next meal is coming from.

It’s a time when all of us need to ask, “What can I do to help?”

Can we do with one or two fewer presents under the tree on Christmas morning? Can we donate the money we would have spent on decorating our yard to provide food for hungry children?

In the first 15 years of the Good News Fund, more than $145,000 has been collected and more than 17,000 turkeys distributed throughout the area.

Money has come mostly from hundreds of local families and several professional offices and businesses. Remember, no contribution is too small.

Michael Magnotto, president of Magnotto’s Shop ’n Save in Hermitage has always provided the turkeys at cost since the drive began. But like everything else, the cost of turkeys has gone up.

As the fund appeal moves on toward the holidays, The Herald will acknowledge donors’ names in the newspaper. You can even donate in the name of a loved one or as a memorial to someone who has passed away.

The year-round fund is affiliated with the Community Foundation of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, created by community leaders.

Since the foundation is tax-exempt, all donations to the fund are tax deductible. Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County, through its network of pantries, provides the turkeys to the families who remain anonymous.

We realize that times are tough for most people, but remember: No contribution is too small. And as we’ve written before: Don’t give ’til it hurts; give ’til it feels good!

People wanting to make a tax-deductible contribution should make their checks payable to The Good News Fund and mail them in care of The Herald, Box 51, Sharon 16146. Contributions may be dropped off at The Herald office, 52 S. Dock St. in Sharon.