As we begin another week, we count just eight days until Christmas.

We’re well aware of all that must be done to make the holiday bright, cheerful and meaningful for our loved ones and, most important, those less fortunate people in our communities – those who will count on the generosity of others so they may have the basic essentials on Christmas morning such as food, clothing and a toy or two for the children.

Scores of people in our region have reached out to the Salvation Army for help again this year. Their stories may be different, but their situations are similarly bleak. They are families struggling to get by on low, fixed incomes, with children eager to have something to look forward to on Christmas Day, just like their school friends; people whose situations are compounded by chronic illness or inability to work; struggling single parents who are doing their best to educate themselves and do better for their children in the future, but who need a helping hand in the meantime.

These excerpts from letters recently received by the Salvation Army reveal some of the need present around us.

“I’m not working at this point due to medical reasons. I am raising three children by myself and my nearest family is in southwest Ohio. And my children and I need a little help for Christmas.”

“I have just separated and I only get $235 every two weeks. Trying to do [something] special for my family. I love my kids and I’m trying.”

“I am a single mom with a 4-year-old. Her father doesn’t pay child support or help us in any way. I have very little income to support us and to buy necessities like clothes.”

“I have a 4-month-old who is outgrowing everything we buy. I don’t work and [I] live with my mother who just had surgery and is out of work so we don’t have any money and this will be our second Christmas without anything.”

“I have a 4-year-old son and I just went back to work three weeks ago. I needed to catch up on my bills and [I] have nothing for my son.”

“I left work four months ago and returned to college so that I could have a career that would support me and three children. I know the next few Christmases will be rough, but after school and a degree, I know God will provide. Thank you for any help.”

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 Fund 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.