Families of National Guard members and reservists called to active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, soon will be eligible for state aid to help pay for groceries, rent and utilities.

The Military Family Relief Fund, signed into law by Gov. Mark Sanford earlier this month, will provide money to families through a special account funded by taxpayer donations.

Individuals will be able to donate to the fund by checking off a box when they fill out their state income taxes. Businesses and individuals also can make tax-deductible contributions directly to the fund.

The fund, approved by the General Assembly in June, is patterned after a similar one in Illinois.

“Anytime you’ve got folks risking their lives to protect us back here at the home front, gestures like this are very important,” said Sanford spokesman Will Folks.

To be eligible, a family must prove a Guard member’s or reservist’s active-duty military pay is at least 30 percent less than his or her civilian wages. The amount of aid a family can receive will be based on need.

Ann Smith, president of the Blue Star Families of South Carolina, said the help is needed desperately.

“People are hurting, and we’ve seen people come close to losing their homes,” Smith said. “A lot of families, especially people in the Guard and Reserves, have been forgotten. They’ve given as much as anyone, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Families can begin applying for the money in January. However, money likely won’t be able available until the spring.

The fund will be administered through the Division of Veterans’ Affairs in the governor’s office.

Reach Stensland at (803) 771-8358 or jstensland@thestate.com.