Christmas season is officially here, and Maine even has had a couple of snowstorms and recent flurries to prove it. Before the shopping and partying frenzy overtakes us, let’s remember those who cannot afford the presents that most people take for granted, who struggle to put food on the table, let alone gifts under a tree.

For 135 years The Salvation Army has been remembering those in need. Begun in 1865 in England by William Booth, an itinerant preacher, to provide religious services to the poor who were not welcomed in the local churches, the Salvation Army describes itself as “an international evangelical Christian movement with a strong social conscience.” While the red kettles are a familiar sight during the Christmas season, the local Salvation Army works year-round.

The Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, sponsored by the Army, served tens of thousands of meals last year to area residents. “Salvationists” volunteer in nursing homes, group homes and jails throughout central and Down East Maine, accomplishing countless acts of charity, large and small.

Since 1978, the NEWS has proudly sponsored Santa’s Helper Fund, which raises money for the Salvation Army to buy food, clothes and toys for needy Maine families during the holiday season. Last year the Santa’s Helper Fund received a record $56,000 in donations, and more than 1,000 toys, 1,500 articles of clothing and 500 food vouchers were distributed from Bangor to Millinocket, from Eastport to Newport, to friends and neighbors in need. This year, the goal is $50,000.

The NEWS will be enclosing an insert about Santa’s Helper Fund in an upcoming Weekend edition along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope in order to maximize the ease and, yes, the amount of generosity. The theme of the insert is “Share with Others” and your contribution will be returned to those most needy in your local community. Although just beginning for this year, Santa’s Helper Fund has already received $2,000 from the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3177 of Brewer, the Smoke Free Singles Society of Old Town has $25 and more donations are beginning to come in.

Please use the envelope in the Weekend newspaper or mail your donations to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. All donations will be listed in the Bangor Daily News unless the donors ask to remain anonymous, or donations can be made in someone’s memory. Your gifts and generosity will be greatly appreciated.