Christmas is a little more than two weeks away. While some of us are making plans for family and community celebrations, others within our neighborhoods are wondering how they will manage to pay for their family’s most basic needs. They are worrying about food, clothing and providing a gift or two for the children.

The Salvation Army recently shared with Santa’s Helper some of the requests they’ve received for assistance this year. Here are some excerpts:

“I have recently separated from my baby’s father and was left with nothing to give my children for Christmas. I only receive a small amount of money, which barely covers my bills. I can only get food by going to the local food cupboard. My oldest son is old enough that he knows what Christmas is and is very excited about it and I don’t have even one dollar extra to buy presents. I would really appreciate your help in any way that you can.”

Another wrote: “I’m a recently divorced man with two children and I’m in college trying to make a difference. I do have a small job at the school; however, I just barely make ends meet.”

A mother wrote: “I’m a single parent of two children. Their father isn’t in their lives. I am not working right now. I’m looking real hard for a job. I’m real upset that I can’t do much at all for my girls. I am now trying to get us back on our feet from a real bad relationship. I would be real grateful for any help for my girls for Christmas. Thank you.”

“The reason why I need help this year is because money is very tight for us,” another writer said. “My kids’ father died unexpectedly in August and I have all I can do to pay my bills and buy food. Thank you so much for all the help I got last year. Because of you, my kids had good gifts and a Christmas dinner.”

Donations may be sent to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329. Donors’ names and dollar 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. Thank you in advance for your generosity.