The Salem Christmas Fund Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization consisting of concerned residents who want to make it a little easier and less stressful for families who are having a difficult time particularly during the Holiday season. Founded in 1975 the Fund was initially managed by the Town through the Human Services Department to try and eliminate recipient duplication at the expense of others who were left out due to lack of funds. As this quickly became a greater challenge than the Town could handle, a Board of Directors was formed & the fund began operating as a private non-profit as it does to this day.
While the Town does not run the program, we work closely with them and the local schools to determine need and seek their expertise to help review applications for things such as residency, participation in other programs and general income verifications if needed.
While many of our donations come from businesses, civic groups, and faith-based organizations throughout the Greater Salem area, the majority comes from individual donations. Since we are run 100% by non paid volunteers, other than minimal supply & marketing expenses, everything goes to those most in need so every little bit helps. Whether you send simply make a donation in cash into a canister at a local business or do so via check, credit card or Pay Pal as noted below, everything is appreciated.
Qualifying families / individuals will receive vouchers or gift cards that can be used for clothing, food and other gifts such as toys for children.
All needy families receive food gift cards / vouchers based on their size which is aimed at supplementing the cost of a Holiday dinner for them. This includes the elderly, many of whom live alone and do not always have the extra funds for that special meal.
Children still remain a large focus of our program. We utilize various businesses and Churches who help gather gift cards via "wish trees" so that children hopefully can get that one special gift they wish for.
In addition, we work with the local Police, Fire Department and other agencies to help run the program Other Charitable Organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and Salem Rotary Club help immensely with staffing and supplemental funding.
Other than the individual(s) who do the application screening, recipients are kept anonymous. It’s all about helping each other at what should be a joyous time of year for everyone,
Donations and inquiries should be made by check to the Salem Christmas Fund Inc., P.O. Box 1234, Salem, NH 03079 or see the donate screen in the donate section of this web site for credit card or Pay Pal donations.
Families in need should contact the above address or call us at 603 401-3570.
While the Town does not run the program, we work closely with them and the local schools to determine need and seek their expertise to help review applications for things such as residency, participation in other programs and general income verifications if needed.
While many of our donations come from businesses, civic groups, and faith-based organizations throughout the Greater Salem area, the majority comes from individual donations. Since we are run 100% by non paid volunteers, other than minimal supply & marketing expenses, everything goes to those most in need so every little bit helps. Whether you send simply make a donation in cash into a canister at a local business or do so via check, credit card or Pay Pal as noted below, everything is appreciated.
Qualifying families / individuals will receive vouchers or gift cards that can be used for clothing, food and other gifts such as toys for children.
All needy families receive food gift cards / vouchers based on their size which is aimed at supplementing the cost of a Holiday dinner for them. This includes the elderly, many of whom live alone and do not always have the extra funds for that special meal.
Children still remain a large focus of our program. We utilize various businesses and Churches who help gather gift cards via "wish trees" so that children hopefully can get that one special gift they wish for.
In addition, we work with the local Police, Fire Department and other agencies to help run the program Other Charitable Organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and Salem Rotary Club help immensely with staffing and supplemental funding.
Other than the individual(s) who do the application screening, recipients are kept anonymous. It’s all about helping each other at what should be a joyous time of year for everyone,
Donations and inquiries should be made by check to the Salem Christmas Fund Inc., P.O. Box 1234, Salem, NH 03079 or see the donate screen in the donate section of this web site for credit card or Pay Pal donations.
Families in need should contact the above address or call us at 603 401-3570.