Just two days until Christmas, and what a magical time of year this is – not just because of the festive food and decorations, pretty packages under the tree and twinkling holiday lights that are all around, but because of the true spirit of Christmas that manifests itself in quiet ways. This includes the reaching out and sharing with others, oftentimes complete strangers. It comes in the form of quality time spent and genuine caring for others in need. It comes in the form of a quiet monetary donation that will help ease the burden of someone in need.

The Santa’s Helper Fund was founded as a way of helping The Salvation Army help others, something they do so well. If you haven’t already done so, would you consider helping others through the Santa’s Helper Fund?

This morning, the Santa’s Helper Fund workers will be processing donations that may have arrived over the weekend, which, we hope, will bring us closer to the $50,000 goal that was set for this year. In the meantime, here are excerpts from letters recently received:

“I have three little boys who will not have a Christmas without your help. I have no money this year to buy them anything. I feel like I could ask you. I don’t like to have to ask. I would love my children to have a Christmas and if you can’t help that is OK. But my children would really love it if you could because they still think there is a Santa. I would love and enjoy it if you could help me this year. Thank you for your time and help.”

And from another: “Twenty-four years ago, when my daughter, Andrea, was 4 years old, she wrote this letter (I hope some child receives a very special gift with this money, Love, Andrea, age 4 and Pamela). She was excited about helping to give other children Christmas gifts. Andrea is now 28 years old and living and working in Los Angeles. Please accept this donation from Andrea, her sister Pam, and me, her Mom. Becky Foster.”

Donations may be sent to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. Names and donation amounts will be published in the Santa’s Helper column daily. Donors who prefer to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by donation amounts. Thank you in advance for your generosity.