Thanksgiving Day marks the traditional kickoff of the Santa’s Helper Fund campaign. For many years, the Bangor Daily News has collected cash donations from individuals and organizations in northern and eastern Maine, 100 percent of which are turned over to the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army uses the money to help support the enormous expenses it incurs helping people throughout the Christmas season.

“Last year we helped 8,880 people and distributed 6,000 toys and 6,784 coats. We also visited 2,961 nursing homes, hospitals and jails,” said Maj. Debbie Burr of the Salvation Army.

“Applications are already being accepted at our Christmas Center and we hope to be able to help at least as many, if not more, people this year,” she said.

Of course, the Salvation Army’s ability to help these additional families depends largely on the resources they have at hand. Monetary donations from the public will be the key.

In an act that has become a tradition over the past several years, the Brewer Eagles Club was the first to donate to Santa’s Helper. Their check in the amount of $2,001 was received earlier this month when Wallace Cook, Ralph St. Louis, Larry Dawson and Steve Grant visited the NEWS’ main office.

The events of Sept. 11th were horrific, tragic and sad for many throughout our country and people from this region have given generously to help ease others’ pain and suffering. The Salvation Army hopes that donations to Santa’s Helper Fund will continue at the same level as last year because so many local families will be in dire need during the holidays.

The $50,000 goal is the same as last year’s.

Donations may be sent to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. Your names and donation amounts will be published in the Santa’s Helper column daily. Donors who wish to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by their donation amounts.

All monies are deposited in a special account and a check for the full amount collected will be presented to the Salvation Army. This service means that the Salvation Army can concentrate on the important business of processing applications and preparing Christmas boxes for needy families.

Major Burr reminds applicants that the Christmas Center at 146 Center St. in Bangor is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Applications need to be filled out in person if at all possible.