MILITARY HELP: The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has announced a way for people to support military families this tax season.

Taxpayers in the state are being given the option to donate some or all the refund from their 2016 Pennsylvania personal income taxes to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program.

The state programs offers “grants of up to $3,500 to Pennsylvania members of the armed forces and their families who have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of circumstances beyond their control.”

In 2016, military families received grants for numerous reasons: a medically-retired service member and his family lost everything in a fire, a service member and single parent of three was being treated for PTSD and got behind on bills and one service member — also a single parent of three — could not afford to replace the furnace with winter on the way.

“Since the program began in 2006, more than $1.71 million has been donated by individuals filing their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns and through private donations,” the agency reported.

Instructions on how to donate to the fund are on the tax form.

Also, “contributions can be made directly by sending a check to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, c/o Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Bldg. 0-47 Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003.

“Pennsylvania citizens are always so supportive of the men and women in uniform, and this is continuously demonstrated every year by the donations they make to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program while completing their taxes,” said Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general.

“It may be a simple check off on a tax form, but that seemingly small gesture goes a long way toward helping a military family persevere during trying times,” added Carrelli.