‘Bless the beasts and the children” is a refrain that comes to mind perhaps more frequently this time of year, and for one local organization, it carries more meaning than ever.

Friends of Bangor Humane Society recently received a mailing asking for donations for this animal shelter that is in desperate need of financial help.

Board member Jan Kaufman e-mailed me that, understandably, because we have been considering more of the needs of children “since the tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters,” donations to the society “are down 56 percent, and BHS needs to raise $100,000 to keep going through the winter.”

Kaufman wants readers to know Bangor Humane Society doesn’t receive funding from any outside sources, (city, state, federal or any national organization) and that it is depends on community support for its work.

And, she reminds you, “that community is a large one.”

BHS is the largest shelter in the region, caring for unwanted or abandoned animals from more than 100 communities in Piscataquis, Penobscot, Hancock, Washington and Aroostook counties.

The letter to BHS’ friends explained the organization has had an unusual year, which included rescuing and caring for 50 of the Springer spaniels removed from a Dover-Foxcroft kennel, and opening a low-cost, spay-neuter program and providing hundreds of vouchers to low-income pet owners for that procedure.

After Hurricane Katrina, BHS sent three staff members to New Orleans to help with animal rescue efforts, and answered calls from people asking how to make donations for those efforts.

The shelter installed an industrial-strength natural gas generator so it can be operational in a local disaster, and stockpiled food, equipment and supplies necessary to provide emergency care for pets in case their owners need to relocate to a storm shelter.

To be able to provide care for the more than 5,000 unwanted and homeless animals that come through its doors each year, your contributions are urgently needed now.

Any donation, large or small, will make a difference, and will be appreciated.

Contributions can be mailed to BHS, 693 Mount Hope Ave., Bangor 04401.

If you have questions, call the shelter at 942-8902.

The public is invited to a holiday Studio Open House 2-5 p.m. today at the studio of artist Brenda Ferguson, 298 North Road in Dixmont.

An original framed work, “Life at the Bottom,” will be given away as a door prize at 3 p.m., but the recipient must be present to win.

Cynthia Wells reports the Stockton Springs Business Association is hosting its 4th annual Enchanted Christmas Tree 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in downtown Stockton Springs.

Wells wrote that activities include the arrival of Santa Claus in a firetruck, ornament-making for the tree, a raffle, hayrides around town, photo opportunities with Santa, refreshments, caroling, lighting of the tree and a bonfire to close out the festivities, which “will be held rain, snow or shine.”

Members of the Missions Committee of Veazie Congregational Church invite the public to their free presentation of “A Victorian Christmas” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the handicap-accessible church, 1404 State Street.

Former teacher and radio personality Ted Wallace of Enfield will read such Victorian era stories as “The Gift of the Magi,” “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and others.

There is no fee to attend but, if you can, you are asked to bring an unwrapped gift for a child.

After the program, you will enjoy Christmas carols and desserts with wassail, coffee and tea.

The public is invited to attend the 10-Year Anniversary Celebration of Wings for Children & Families from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Wings office in Suite 915 at 900 Hammond St. in Bangor.

Julie Bennett of Wings explained the celebration will include fun events for children such as face painting, ornament decorating, and an appearance by a clown, as well as recognition of individuals and agencies that have contributed to the success of the program.

Stories from families about how Wings has made a difference in their lives will also be part of the celebration.

Wings is a private, nonprofit organization that offers targeted case management service for children and young people with mental illness who live in Aroostook, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Washington counties.

If you wish more information about this event, or its programs, call Wings at (800) 823-2988 or 941-2988.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.