Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 2018 Love Thy Neighbor project to help families in need is underway.

This is the second year for the program that kicked off last year with a Canned Food Drive Project to help the 1,850 furloughed employees of StarKist.

Project organizer Tapumanaia Galu Satele Jr. told Samoa News that since last year's effort was such a huge success, he has decided to make it an annual event with help from volunteers to support and help identify families who are in need.

"This LTN project has one objective, and its message is simple: 'To love one another by helping those around us who are in need'."

He explained, "I have organized a group of volunteers to assist in making this year's project a reality and could still use many more, if interested."

As part of this year's efforts, the LTN committee will be hosting a benefit concert and it will be held November 21st at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Tafuna.

The group has been able to secure the services of the world famous Punialava'a band. (See advertisement is yesterday's Samoa News).

"The funds we raise from this effort will be used to purchase food and items to support the families who have been identified as needing help," Tapumanaia said. "Pass the word on... it's an affordable ticket and guaranteed to be a great family time event."

Those interested in being a volunteer can call 256-0209 or 252-8112.

Pictured is Tapumanaia last year, with 3 of the numerous 55-gallon drums used to collect nonperishable food items for the furloughed cannery workers who went without a paycheck for 5 weeks when Starkist shut down its operations for a month this same time last year.