Every year at Christmas there are many charities and organizations asking for our help. This year has been a year of tragedies, both here and abroad, making the need especially great. Oil prices keep climbing and winter officially started last week.

It all seems so overwhelming.

But in the Bangor area, people have made a special effort to dig deep into their pockets to help those who need food, shelter and a little Christmas cheer. Our friends and neighbors have given generously of their time and money to support Manna Inc. and other organizations like it.

Without Manna’s help, many families would face a bleak Christmas. They would not be able to get food from Manna’s food pantry or hot meals at its soup kitchen.

The people who attended Manna’s Christmas party ate a wonderful meal and received gifts for themselves and their children. It was like a family Christmas super-sized.

To all of you who reached out and who will continue to do so in the new year, thank you and God bless you.

Claire P. Winchester

Bangor