Today, residents in countries such as England and Canada celebrate Boxing Day. While it is now more like an extra day off for most, years ago this was the day when people delivered boxes of food and other presents to poor or less fortunate families living around them.

Nowadays, such an act of charity knows no boundary; there is no specific time or date, but it is demonstrated year round by millions of Americans. Many people, including individuals, families, business groups and schoolchildren, have chosen the Santa’s Helper Fund as a way of reaching out and making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than themselves.

The Salvation Army, which receives all money raised through the Santa’s Helper Fund, works year-round to serve people who have found themselves in need of help. The demands on their time and resources are particularly apparent during the holiday season and the winter months.

Thank you again to all who have chosen the Santa’s Helper Fund to brighten the holiday season for so many people who are so desperately in need.

If you haven’t contributed yet but would like to, you may send your donation to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. Names of contributors and donation amounts received by Dec. 31 will be published in the Santa’s Helper column daily in the Bangor Daily News. Donors who prefer to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by donation amounts. Thank you in advance for your generosity.