Budget-strapped families may find the holidays a little brighter this year thanks to local food banks and the contributions they are receiving, as in past years, from Puget Sound Energy and its employees.

The utility this fall is distributing $22,500 in donations among 43 local food banks, including Maple Valley and Enumclaw.

In addition to PSE’s financial contributions, the utility’s employees once again are conducting food drives for local food banks.

All nonperishable food items collected by employees – and by customers who wish to contribute – through mid-December will be delivered to community food banks.