Thanksgiving Day marks the traditional kickoff of the Santa’s Helper Fund campaign. For many years, the Bangor Daily News has collected cash donations from individuals and organizations in northern and eastern Maine, 100 percent of which are turned over to the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army uses the money to help support the enormous expenses it incurs helping people throughout the Christmas season.

Last year, donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund totaled $51,289.47. Those funds helped the Salvation Army to serve more than 10,000 people, according to Maj. Debbie Burr of the Salvation Army. “Five thousand toys and 6,000 coats were given to children, and more than 3,000 gifts were distributed to nursing homes. Each year the number of people needing help grows, and we depend on the community to help us meet those needs,” she said.

The Salvation Army hopes that donations to Santa’s Helper Fund will continue at the same level as last year because so many local families will be in dire need during the holidays.

Donations may be sent to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, Maine 04402-1329. Your names and donation amounts will be published in the Santa’s Helper column daily. Donors who wish to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by their donation amounts.

All donations are deposited in a special account and a check for the full amount collected will be presented to the Salvation Army. This service means that the Salvation Army can concentrate on the important business of processing applications and preparing Christmas boxes for needy families.

People needing assistance may drop by the Salvation Army building at 65 South Park St. in Bangor, or call 941-2990, between 9 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday.

Thank you for considering the Santa’s Helper Fund as the Christmas holidays approach, and in the meantime, have a very happy Thanksgiving!