KITTANNING -- Holidays can be lonely and distressing times for anyone not able to be home with friends, family or loved ones. However, for active duty military personnel at least some of the loneliness can be brightened by a phone call.

With that thought in mind, Armstrong County District Attorney Scott Andreassi and Sheriff Larry Crawford have begun the fourth annual Active Duty Calling Card Program.

Andreassi said that last year the program was able to provide active duty service men and women with more than 700 minutes of free calling time. Calling cards were sent to active duty personnel service stateside and overseas.

"We have already received several inquiries asking if we're going to have the program again this year," Andreassi said. "The answer is yes. We are accepting calling cards or monetary donations to buy cards between now and Dec. 20. The cards will be turned over to the National Guard 128th BSB, Co, G in Manor Township. They in turn will distribute them to service men and women serving stateside and overseas."

Andreassi said any type of calling cards or monetary donations to the program will be accepted at his office or the Sheriff's office. Donations may be dropped off in person or mailed to: Office of the District Attorney, 500 Market St., Armstrong County Court House, Kittanning, PA 16201.