Umpqua Bank is partnering with The New 94.1 KMPS to help local families in need this holiday season through its 16th annual Wish Upon a Star program.

The program grants wishes for individuals and families struggling through tough times in Puget Sound and has fulfilled more than $540,000 in overall wishes since the program was developed in 1998.

“The holiday season is an especially difficult time for many people in our communities who face challenging situations,” said Ray Davis, president and CEO of Umpqua Bank. “As a community bank, we feel an added responsibility to lessen some of these burdens. We created our Wish Upon a Star program to help brighten the season for those who are struggling and also inspire others in the community to lend support in whatever way they can.”

Umpqua Bank’s Wish Upon a Star program has granted more than 600 holiday wishes since its inception. Past wishes range from basic needs, such as installing a furnace to heat a family through the winter, to uniquely special requests, including building a wheelchair ramp for a child with muscular dystrophy and providing the testing for a procedure that allowed a young woman to regain her hearing.

Now through Dec. 6, Redmond community members are encouraged to visit www.umpquabank.com/wish to nominate deserving friends, family members and neighbors. Wishes must come from community members, not organizations, on behalf of an individual or family.

Those without Internet access can call 1 (866) 486-7782 to speak with an Umpqua associate and additional Wish Upon a Star inspiration may also be found at facebook.com/umpquabank.

Wishes will be granted on-air weekdays from Dec. 2-13. Listeners can tune in to The New 94.1 KMPS at 7:30 a.m. each morning to hear the holiday wishes come true.