Christmas bells are ringing. Some of those sounds of the season come from Salvation Army volunteers ringing bells at bright red kettles near shopping areas around the state. If you’re wondering how you might enhance your gift to someone less fortunate, please consider donating to the Santa’s Helper Fund.

The Santa’s Helper Fund is a Bangor Daily News fund-raising effort for the Salvation Army All proceeds from Santa’s Helper are forwarded directly to the Salvation Army to help provide toys, clothing, food and shelter to the needy.

We kicked off our fund-raising efforts Thanksgiving Day, and will be working toward our $50,000 goal for the next 37 days. Each day in the Bangor Daily News, Santa’s Helper will list its contributors and the amounts donated. Donors may contribute in honor or memory of a loved one. Donors also may maintain anonymity by writing “anonymous” on a note accompanying their gift.

Hundreds of letters arrive at the Salvation Army, especially during the winter months, from people who need a helping hand. Santa’s Helper will help make some of life’s burdens a little easier for these folks to face. The need is real. Please help us heed their calls.

One woman writes that she is trying to provide for her children and herself while also striving toward a college degree. After paying the bills, there is little left for the basic necessities, and no extra money for gifts. A contribution to the Santa’s Helper Fund would help provide a merrier holiday for this family.

If you would like to help fill the red kettles in a big way, and support someone who may otherwise go without, please consider sending your gift to the Santa’s Helper Fund.

Send your donation to The Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. All contributors will be recognized in the NEWS unless anonymity is requested.