This is what we are all about........... Since the beginning of the fund in the 1970's, this 501-3(c) organization has been the primary provider of help for Salem residents in need during the Holiday Season. For almost 50 years, the Salem Christmas Fund has helped people with food, clothing and gifts. Just the thought that an organization such as this exists, shows people that they are not alone in dealing with their hardships and that our Community really does understands and cares!
The Christmas Fund works with local guidance counselors, human services agencies, churches, schools and others to make sure that families, in particular those with the greatest need, are cared for. We are hoping that this year will be a little less challenging than 2022 but are prepared for whatever needs to be done. Once again, last year the Fund was able to provide help to everyone who was eligible. Thanks to donations large and small, we can still say, very proudly, that since its inception, the Salem Christmas Fund, Inc. has never let an eligible family miss Christmas dinner, nor have we failed to let a child be remembered at Christmas. Our decision to go to gift cards versus toys several years ago served us well again this past Christmas. We were able to handle almost all of the distribution remotely although we did have a drive up distribution day that also worked very well. We will be doing the same this year. Thank you to everyone who donated and to our dedicated volunteer staff, thank you. Please help the Fund meet our goal. All tax-deductible donations (click Donation Page here) will be gratefully received and acknowledged. Each year we receive emails and letters from people and families that we help. One letter we received noted how over 30 years ago, the Christmas Fund helped her when she couldn't get assistance anywhere else for her and her five children. She noted that they are now all grown and in their 30's with families of their own and doing well. She wanted to pay us back and did so by giving us a (very) generous donation. Another wrote that because of the Salem Christmas Fund, she was able to purchase some nice presents for her children for them to open on Christmas. She said that until she heard from us, she was really concerned about how she could tell them that Santa couldn't do much this year. The Salem Santa Fund is a wonderful, caring organization that cares enough to help people who are in need. Another person wrote that she was so very thankful that she heard about us as she also didn't think her kids would have gifts from Santa. Please note that we intentionally omit names and ages to protect privacy of people involved. We receive many similar cards and emails. Our entire Christmas Fund team do this, not for thanks, but knowing that we are helping individuals or their families who otherwise would not be able to enjoy Christmas or whatever Holiday they celebrate. This marks our 46th year helping the Salem Community. It is also still not too late to help us. All tax-deductible donations (click Donation Page here) will be gratefully received and acknowledged. We obviously could not get all that we do done without the many volunteers who contributed their time and efforts. Our 2022 Holiday Season is in full swing but remember that the Salem Christmas Fund helps those in need year-round. 2023 plans are already starting. Applications for our Christmas Holiday assistance are now available in our Contact Us section of this web site and will be sent out to many who are on our list from previous years. Editor note: To our donors, thank you. Thank you to everyone who donated and to our dedicated all volunteer staff, thank you. Please help the Fund meet our goal. All tax-deductible donations (click Donation Page here) will be gratefully received and acknowledged. HO HO HO ..................... Santa! |
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