Sadly, but not surprisingly, considering the tremendous number of natural and other disasters that our citizens are facing, the word “desperate” is being used more and more often by representatives for local nonprofit agencies that depend on you to help support their work.

I recently received a letter from Brian Parkman of Thorndike who is a member of People for People.

He enclosed a press release from the organization that included that word: desperate.

Parkman wrote, “This is the 20th year that People for People has been working at helping those less fortunate in Waldo County.

“With all of the tragedies that have happened throughout the world, and with the area Salvation Army program closing in Belfast, we are having an even harder time meeting the needs of those who could use a helping hand this time of year.”

In fact, the press release states that People for People “is in desperate need of help,” and that this is the first year the organization had made “an all-out plea for help so late in the season.”

The organization has raised more than a half-million dollars since its inception.

Each year, it donates $10,000 to Waldo County food banks.

Last year, alone, it gave more than $1,300 to the area Emergency Clothing Fund for school nurses to buy warm winter clothes for area school children.

It also donated $4,750 to the Waldo Community Action Partners for Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for the needy, and made up and distributed 550 Christmas food baskets to residents of Waldo County.

People for People board members and volunteers want you to know that 100 percent of every donation and 100 percent of all donated food “goes to those who need it.”

However, People for People is in dire need of funds to continue those projects this year, and also is looking for anyone interested in helping pack Christmas baskets the evening of Friday, Dec. 16.

If you wish to participate in that effort, and do not drive, a van will leave at 6:30 p.m. from WCAP in Belfast.

For information about how you can help to eliminate the desperate financial situation People for People finds itself in this holiday season, call Paul Garelli at (800) 929-1908.

Two performances of the John Bapst Musicians Annual Holiday Concert are scheduled, and there is a snow date as well.

The first performance will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, in the auditorium of John Bapst Memorial High School, 100 Broadway in Bangor.

The second performance is at 6 that evening at the same site. The snow date, with the same times, is Sunday, Dec. 18, at the school.

Tickets are $3 each, and will be available at the door.

The performance features the Bapst Chorale, with more than 100 vocalists, Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Band, Concert Choir, and Concert Band, with more than 100 musicians.

Women of the World, a group of international and American women who gather monthly for an ethnic lunch and cultural program featuring countries they represent, is open to all women who would like to participate.

WOW will celebrate Hanukkah at noon Monday, Dec. 12, at Church of Universal Fellowship on Main Street in Orono.

The luncheon fee is $4 for women and children 10 and older, $2 for children 6-10, and free for children under 6.

For more information, call Mireille Le Gal at 581-3423.

Delicious homemade chowders and scrumptious desserts are favorite attractions of the St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Auction beginning at noon Tuesday, Dec. 13, at St. John’s Catholic Church Parish Hall, 207 York St. in Bangor.

Guests should park in the Newbury Street lot and use the lower-level entrance. Admission is $5, or free with a donated auction item.

Among the items up for bid, under the gavel of auctioneer Rev. Robert Carlson, is framed artwork, gift baskets, decorations, books, crafts and homemade baked goods.

To RSVP, call Mary Searway, 942-1693, or Babe Hopkins, 947-8546.

Members of all area Kiwanis Clubs are invited to attend the Kiwanis Club of Hampden Christmas Party at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Kiwanis Civic Center in Hampden.

If you wish to attend, you are asked to RSVP to Vivian Gresser by Monday, Dec. 12, at vivgresser@aol.com.

Gresser e-mailed that she hopes to see many fellow Kiwanians at this event.

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