Ann, a single mother of two children, is struggling to make ends meet. She uses her sister’s cell phone because phone service to her home has been turned off. In the past, her electricity has been shut off.

“I’m trying to work, get a better life for my kids,” said Ann who lives in Salem. “It’s been very difficult.”

That’s why Ann has been grateful for the help given by the Salem Christmas Fund. The all-volunteer organization is providing needy recipients with vouchers for clothing, toys and 35-gallon bins containing food for a Christmas dinner and other items.

“The Salem fund has been a Godsend to me,” said Ann, who has an 11-year-old daughter and a teenage son who struggles with disability and medical issues.

Last year, the fund provided roughly $31,800 worth of help to approximately 600 people, and its members would like to raise at least that much money this year.

But with Christmas just two weeks away, only $13,220 has been raised so far. The group has roughly $4,600 less than it did this time last year.

“This year, funds are down, so we do need people to help,” said Al Phair, chairman of the organization’s board of directors. “We can use as much as we can possibly get.”

The fund helps families and individuals in need who meet certain income guidelines. Gifts are also provided to Salemhaven residents and Salem residents at the county nursing home in Brentwood.

Donations come from individuals, businesses, community groups and others.

In Ann’s case, she faces rent, utility bills and other expenses. Unable to support her family with a job that paid only $18,000 a year, she gave it up and now works a temporary job that pays more. But the job is scheduled to end Dec. 19 and she doesn’t know if it will continue.

She receives child support from her daughter’s father, but fears the $50 she receives weekly from her son’s father will stop when the boy turns 18 in the spring.

Worried how she’ll pay her bills, Ann said, she’s enduring “a lot of sleepless nights right now.”

The organization receives referrals from churches, neighbors, organizations, the town’s human services office and others. People can ask for help directly. The fund has been helping people since 1974, and no one who has met the eligibility requirements has been turned away.

“Our mission is for them to have a nice Christmas,” said Sally Sweet, the fund’s coordinator.

For Ann, Christmas would be almost nonexistent if she didn’t have the fund to rely on, and she appreciates the assistance. She hopes someday she’ll be in a position where she can help.

According to Sweet, many recipients express their appreciation for the assistance they get.

“They’re so grateful and they’re so happy to have the help so it makes you happy, too,” said Sweet.

To donate:
Donations can be made payable to the Salem Christmas Fund and mailed to the fund at P.O. Box 1234, Salem, NH 03079. To donate toys, contact Sally Sweet at 898-5676.