Christmas season is officially here, though the long, warm fall has hardly made it feel like winter. Before the shopping and partying frenzy overtakes you, please 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 136 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 the 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 more than $50,000 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.

Local charities face a difficult task this year of asking for donations after people have responded so generously to help those who suffered in the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. But the need locally remains, and is greater this year than in the last several, so donations to provide small items that will bring joy to those less fortunate are especially appreciated this year. Already, the News has received a check for $2001 from the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3177 of Brewer, which annually sets the standard for the fund with its early contribution.

Please 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.