New year, new day, new opportunity to make a difference.

A record 640 charities have signed up to take part in the 2016 Pick.Click.Give. program, which gives Alaskans the option of donating some or all of their Permanent Fund Dividend checks to charitable organizations inside the state.

The Pick.Click.Give. program began in 2009 and has raised more than $13 million for charity since then, with the number of participating charities, Alaskans, and funds raised increasing every year, according to Pick.Click.Give. Manager Jason Grenn.

Last year, a record number of Alaskans — 33,421 — donated more than $3 million to 539 nonprofits.

It’s a great cause that has tangible benefits inside the state of Alaska. Anyone that can afford it might consider participating in the program.

Now, in case you need a little extra motivation beyond improving our state, there actually is some: A select number of Alaskans that make non-anonymous donations to Pick.Click.Give. — 17 last year — will be chosen once again this year to have their dividend doubled.

For a state that lacks a lottery, that’s a pretty cool deal.

If you can afford it, please consider participating in the program this year. Even a small amount can help Alaska charities, and in the process you have a chance to win an extra dividend check.

Let’s keep this valuable program growing in 2016.

— Ketchikan Daily News,

Jan. 4