That rising tide of prosperity we keep hearing about has defied its cliche by leaving some boats swamped in Maine. Even though the economy is supposed to be bumping along nicely, the state’s most vulnerable residents still are struggling to keep their homes or pay for heat and food. The holidays offer an opportunity for the rest of us to think about these neighbors.

The NEWS’ Santa’s Helpers Fund raises money each year to help the Salvation Army buy food, clothes and toys for families at Christmas. The fund can make the difference in whether Maine families have any sort of holiday at all.

Last year, the Santa’s Helper Fund raised $32,267, which helped 6,118 people in need. The fund has collected just more than $20,000 this year. A unique aspect about the fund is that it sends donations back to the community from which they were sent, so checks from Palmyra or Machias go back to local Salvation Army units in those areas. The Salvation Army also works with other local charity groups to coordinate their services, making them more effective and cutting down on duplicated services.

It is easy to get cynical and exhuasted around Christmastime. The commercial aspect of the holiday is relentless, and has been for more than a month. There are a hundred holiday details that need to be attended to and no extra time in the day. Frustrated parents spend too much time looking for Sing & Snore Ernie, this year’s most popular toy.

The Santa’s Helper Fund is a reminder that the gift-giving part of Christmas can be simpler and more profound than they typical frenzy of last-minute shopping: some food for a holiday meal, a pair of mittens and a hat for a child who has none, a coat for a mom who is doing without. Just this week, employees at Brewer Automotive Components held a 50-50 raffle and raised $75 for the fund. That money will help a couple of families through the holidays.

Just six days before Christmas, there is still time to donate to this year’s fund. Mail donations to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. All donations will be listed in the Bangor Daily News unless donors specifically ask to remain anonymous.