Those who benefit from donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund struggle day by day to feed, clothe and provide for their families.

Christmas is an especially difficult time for these families, according to the Salvation Army, because children often don’t understand their family’s financial situation.

The Salvation Army’s Maj. Debbie Burr has shared some of the letters accompanying applications for assistance this year. The following are excerpts from some that have been received:

“I am a single parent with a child. We live on disability of $471 a month and food stamps of $139. We barely have enough to get by now on.”

Another letter said: “Like every year, this one is no exception. Every year, things get higher in price and your check doesn’t. I’m disabled and I can only do so much with what I get from SSI. I hope you can help me and my daughter this year.”

A third letter: “I’m a single mother with five children, so when the holidays come around it’s a struggle. I work part time and with all my bills it just gets harder and harder. If it weren’t for the Salvation Army, my children wouldn’t have much of a Christmas. Thank you, Salvation Army. I really appreciate it.”

These are just a few of the many individual stories of people who rely so heavily on the generosity of those who give to the Santa’s Helper Fund every year.

Parents find themselves having to choose between the necessities of life for their children, so toys and special amenities are absolute luxuries they cannot afford. This is an annual tragedy for an increasingly large population.

The Salvation Army and Santa’s Helper hope you can find a special place in your hearts to feel these families’ struggles, and a few extra coins in your budgets to help the families in your own communities have a decent holiday.

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. Thank you in advance for your generosity.