BDN seeks yuletide gifts for Santa fund

The Bangor Daily News invites you to be a part of its annual fund-raising effort to support Salvation Army units in central and Down East Maine – the Santa’s Helper Fund. Over the years, Bangor Daily News readers have generously opened their hearts to friends and neighbors through the Santa’s Helper charity.

Contributions to Santa’s Helper are forwarded to the Salvation Army unit closest to the contributor’s hometown. They are used to provide food, clothing, shelter and holiday gifts to people who need a helping hand in those communities. Your donation helps your neighbors, and because the Salvation Army has decades of experience helping people, your gift will quickly reach those who really need it.

Last year’s campaign set a fund-raising record. Individuals, families and organizations donated more than $55,000. Such generosity enabled Salvation Army volunteers to visit residents in nursing homes and to provide toys, clothing, coats and food to 721 families with 2,418 children. Last year’s goal was $47,000.

Our goal for 2000 is to raise $50,000 in 38 days. Please take this moment to share with others. It will mean so much to someone who may otherwise go without a gift, without food, without the many things we take for granted. Then look for the Santa’s Helper story daily in the Bangor Daily News to find out who is helping us reach the $50,000 goal, and to learn about some real-life situations people in our communities face. The need is real, and you can help.

Two contributors have started the ball rolling toward reaching our goal by donating early. They are: $2,000 donated by the Brewer Eagles Club No. 3177; and $25 contributed by the Smoke Free Singles Society of Old Town.

Please send your donation to The Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. All contributors will be recognized in the NEWS unless anonymity is requested.