SALEM – Liz, a single mom of three, works three jobs but is struggling to make a Christmas for her family this year.

“It’s been very hard,” she said.

Her boys, ages 6, 8 and 9, still believe in Santa Claus, and they’re hoping to find some Lego toys and maybe even a computer tablet under their tree this year.

“But they’d be happy with anything they could get,” she added.
Ever an optimist, Liz said she looks forward to her circumstances changing one day, so she can help spread the joy to others in need.

“One day when I have money again, I’ll definitely be donating to the Christmas Fund,” she said.

Granting holiday wishes for those in the community is something Salem Christmas Fund volunteer Alan Phair works hard at each holiday season.

Phair said the economy has definitely made things challenging this year, and more donations would be needed to help the less fortunate this year.

The local charity works closely with Toys for Tots, and Phair said many of the toys being brought to local drop-off locations, such as the Salem Police Department, are distributed through the Christmas Fund.

Of particular need, this year, are gifts for children between the ages of 11 and 14, an age group that’s often overlooked.

“We haven’t been getting a lot of items like basketballs, footballs and skateboards: things the preteens and younger teens might enjoy,” Phair noted.

For nearly four decades, the Salem Christmas Fund has reached out to needy families, providing them with holiday gifts, clothing vouchers and food baskets to make the season a bit brighter.
Donations come from area businesses and individuals, with 100 percent of the proceeds to assist families right here in Salem. The charity assists several hundred needy households each year.

Those who want to help out their neighbors this holiday season are urged to donate to the Salem Christmas Fund.

Checks may be sent to: The Salem Christmas Fund Inc., P.O. Box 1234, Salem, NH 03079.