After the weekend, the Santa’s Helper Fund workers hope to be busy this morning counting additional donations to the fund that will help The Salvation Army provide assistance to those who are in extreme need at this time of year. If you haven’t contributed to the fund yet, we hope you will consider doing so. You will be helping us reach out to many who are less fortunate than ourselves, many of whom live right in our own neighborhoods and communities.

Many letters requesting assistance have arrived at The Salvation Army these past weeks. These excerpts demonstrate the real need that exists around us.

“After bills and things my kids need I never have anything left. I have to buy food for the month because I don’t get enough food stamps to last all month. And I have a bone disease and I have had to go to Portland and Augusta a lot because of my feet and gas and baby sitters. I want my kids to at least have one thing they ask me for and I don’t know if I will be able to buy it for them. So thank you for all you have done for me and my kids the last two years.”

“I am a single mom of one wonderful 11-year-old. I am trying to work my way through my degree at University College. I am doing this to better myself and secure a life for me and my son. I am on very limited funds, and Christmas will be quite lean. I am most appreciative of any help given to me. Your organization is wonderful.”

“I am currently on welfare and barely cover bills. As you can see, clothing is first on our list. Shirts, pants, socks and underwear, coat for winter and winter boots. The older two have outgrown their clothing and I do not have the money to get them things that fit. Toys would be nice and I listed ones they’ve mentioned but those are a want, not a need like clothes. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for thinking of us. God bless.”

Donations may be sent to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. Names and donation amounts will be published in the Santa’s Helper column daily. Donors who prefer to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by donation amounts. Thank you in advance for your generosity.