Forecasts of Christmas sales say the economic season looks fragile – it started strong but may not last; shoppers are aggressively looking for deals but may avoid larger items. A tossup. But what is certain is that more people than in recent years in this region will need your help to mark any sort of holiday this season. So before you finish your holiday shopping and celebrations, please remember those who cannot afford the presents that most people take for granted, who struggle to feed their families, without hope of putting gifts under Christmas tree.

For 137 years the Salvation Army has been remembering those in need. Begun in 1865 in England byWilliam Booth, an itinerant preacher, to provide religious services to the poor who were not welcomed in the local churches, the Salvation Army describes itself as “an international evangelical Christian movement with a strong social conscience.” While the red kettles are a familiar sight during the Christmas season, the local Salvation Army works year-round.

The Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, sponsored by the Army, served tens of thousands of meals last year to area residents. “Salvationists” volunteer in nursing homes, group homes and jails throughout central and Down East Maine, accomplishing countless acts of charity, large and small.

Since 1978, the NEWS has proudly sponsored the Santa’s Helper Fund, which raises money for the Salvation Army to buy food, clothes and toys for needy Maine families during the holiday season. Last year the Santa’s Helper Fund received more than $50,000 in donations, and more than 1,000 toys, 1,500 articles of clothing and 500 food vouchers were distributed from Bangor to Millinocket, from Eastport to Newport, to friends and neighbors in need.

Local charities face a difficult task this year of asking for donations in a year of job layoffs and uncertain times ahead. But the need locally remains, and is greater this year than in the last several, so donations to provide small items that will bring joy to those less fortunate are especially appreciated now. The NEWS already has received scores of donations, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3177 of Brewer, which annually sets the standard for giving, has pledged a $2,002 contribution. Thank you to all who have given.

Please mail your donations to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. Donations will be listed in the Bangor Daily News but may also be made anonymously or in someone’s memory. Your gifts and generosity will be greatly appreciated.