No organization exemplifies the spirit of the holiday season like the Salvation Army. The sidewalk Santas with their bells and kettles are just the most visible part of a yearlong effort to help the most vulnerable among keep their homes warm and food on the table.

For 20 years, the NEWS proudly has been part of that effort with its Santa’s Helpers Fund, which raises money for the Salvation Army to buy food, clothes and toys for families at Christmas. The fund can make the difference in whether Maine families have any sort of Christmas at all.

By handling the collection of cash donations, the Santa’s Helpers Fund frees up the Salvation Army regulars to concentrate on processing applications and distributing the aid. Last year, Santa’s Helpers raised more than $37,000 and helped more than 6,000 people in need. The goal this year is $40,000. A unique aspect of the fund is that it sends the donations back to the communities from which they were sent, so your check goes back to your town through your local Salvation Army unit to help your neighbors. And because the Salvation Army has decades of experience in working with other local charities, efficiency is increased and duplicated effort is reduced.

Every year, it seems, the frenzy and frustration of the holiday season increases. Hundreds of details, pressing obligations and the fruitless search for that Furby easily can conspire to sap all meaning from this special time of year.

The Santa’s Helper Fund offers an easy, convenient and highly effective way to remind yourself what the candles and carols are about — a toy for a toyless child, a coat for a mom who is doing without, food for an otherwise empty table. Already, Penobscot Aerie 3177 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Brewer has donated $1,500, as it does each year; General Electric of Bangor gave $1,700.

There’s plenty of time for you to help make the season a little brighter. Mail donations to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329. All donations will be listed in the Bangor Daily News unless donors ask to remain anonymous.