BJ’s Charitable Foundation is donating $5,000 to Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services for hunger prevention, the charity announced this week.

LARS provides aid to individuals and families in need around the area, including emergency food assistance.

The contribution is a small slice of the $1,689,150 recently pledged by BJ's to further the causes of hunger prevention, education, self-sufficiency, and healthcare.

The donations were distributed to 256 organizations across 15 states, according to the foundation.

Jessica Newman, executive director of the foundation, said organizers hope the contributions will “create a positive, long-lasting impact on the communities in which BJ’s serves" and “impact tens of thousands of individuals and families, resulting in a better community for us all."

LARS is a nonprofit organization staffed by volunteers. It receives its funding from federal, state, local, and private grants, according to its website.

In addition to providing food, the charity also offers shelter, clothing, transportation, and programs aimed at teaching life skills.

Laurel residents can help LARS fulfill its mission through a variety of ways:

• Donate non-perishable foods and items to the food pantry
• Help out at the office as a volunteer
• Become a member of the Family Support Team or the Adopt-a-Family program, which matches families in need of life skills and management support
• Participate in the “Help the Homeless Walk” held every September or October

LARS is located at 311 Laurel Avenue and can be reached at 301-776-0442.