Today the Bangor Daily News kicks off the annual Santa’s Helper Fund. For years, the NEWS has designated the months of November and December to collect cash donations from individuals and organizations in northern and eastern Maine.

The entire amount is turned over to The Salvation Army, which uses the money collected to support the enormous expenses it incurs helping people throughout the Christmas season.

Maj. Debbie Burr said The Salvation Army would begin accepting applications for assistance starting Tuesday and continuing from 1 to 3 p.m. weekdays at its location at 65 South Park St. in Bangor. The organization hopes to process all requests by Dec. 5. She went on to say “we are always pleased with the support we receive from the community and are very appreciative for the generosity of so many people.”

A $50,000 goal has been established for this year’s Santa’s Helper Fund. These dollars will be necessary to serve the needs of the many families that find themselves in need this year. That number may be bigger than in recent years because of several layoffs in the area.

Anyone with questions about the Santa’s Helper Fund can call the Salvation Army at 941-2990.

Donations may be sent to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. Donors’ 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.

All money will be deposited in a special account and a check will be presented to The Salvation Army. This service means The Salvation Army can concentrate on the important business of processing applications and preparing Christmas boxes for needy families.

Thank you for considering the Santa’s Helper Fund as the Christmas holidays approach and, in the meantime, have a very happy Thanksgiving.