Charities such as Santa’s Helper Fund help remind us the world is full of caring people. Although it seems the negative news outweighs the positive these days, the gathering of friends and neighbors in our communities to share with those less fortunate is proof positive the good continues with great strength to overcome the bad.

In a time when many resources are going to the families of those most affected by the Sept. 11 terrorism, it is important to remember the needs at home in our own communities are as great this year as they traditionally have been.

Donations in the past have exceeded the Santa’s Helper goal each year and have helped many people in your communities. Whether people’s needs are limited to a single year, or they need help year after year, the Salvation Army counts on the Santa’s Helper Fund to flesh out its meager resources to assist those who have no other way to make the holidays special for their families.

Whatever the need, the beneficiaries of your generosity appreciate any help they receive.

Here is an example of such sentiment as expressed in this letter to the Salvation Army from one area resident: “I am happy to say I will not need help from you this year. Thank you so much for the help you have given me in the past. It is much appreciated. Merry Christmas.”

The Santa’s Helper Fund provides an easy way for people to make a holiday contribution. A postage stamp is all that’s needed to assure that 100 percent of your donation will be used to help a less fortunate neighbor. The Bangor Daily News provides the staff to administer the fund, so no expenses are incurred. That means your entire donation does the work you intended it to do.

So please, if you can find a few dollars in your budgets that you could spare to help someone less fortunate, consider sending it to the Santa’s Helper Fund. In typical Maine tradition, we try to be there for our neighbors in their times of need. The need is great and the Salvation Army counts on each one of us to help meet it.

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 in the Bangor Daily News. Donors who wish to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by their donation amounts. Thank you in advance for your generosity.