Although the Thanksgiving Day holiday is still ahead of us, Salvation Army staff and volunteers are busy preparing for the Christmas season. Once again, their focus and mission are to deliver food, clothing and toys to children and families who otherwise would go without.

For those in need, the approaching Christmas holiday can bring on desperation and despair. They wonder whether they’ll be able to provide the most basic needs for their family; a nice meal, winter clothing, and a toy or two to unwrap on Christmas morning. Thanks to The Salvation Army and generous donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund, the needs of many will be served again this year.

Following are excerpts from some letters received by the Salvation Army pointing out the severe need, and appreciation, of people in our neighborhoods and communities.

“I don’t receive very much money from my SSI. We go to the Salvation Army for clothes and shoes. The kids grow so fast. I don’t have very much money for anything. We go to food shelters to get us through each week. We struggle a lot but at least we have each other and we try to do our best with what we have. Christmas is hard for us. But it is our favorite holiday. Thank you.”

Another wrote, “The reason why I need help is I don’t get much money. The extra I have is used to buy diapers and things that the baby needs. I am the only one working and I only make enough to pay our bills. I work full-time and my husband is having surgery on his feet and we need to pay for that, too. We pay $425 in rent and car payment of $200 and lights are $35 a month. Our daughter and grandson would not get very much for Christmas if it wasn’t for the Salvation Army and the nice people there.”

Another letter said, “After I pay my bills and buy some food I don’t have any money left for my daughter’s Christmas. If I get any help I want to thank you very much.”

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

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