Helping Hand fundraiser hopes to spread holiday cheer in Merced

By the end of the year, organizers of the annual A Helping Hand at Christmas program are hoping area residents will meet their goal of raising $55,000 to help the less fortunate.

This is the 28th year of the program jointly administered by the Salvation Army and the Merced Sun-Star. Since it began, more than $1.2 million has been raised to help cash-strapped residents over the holidays. Last year, $51,000 was raised for the program.

Elaine Gale of Merced has been involved for a couple of dozen years, the last three as coordinator. She said it’s fulfilling to be able to help someone who’s in need. It’s also great to be able to pray with these people to overcome daunting circumstances.

A Helping Hand at Christmas was started by the late John Wainwright of Merced in cooperation with Sun-Star management. Wainwright had noticed a similar charitable program at the Monterey Peninsula-Herald newspaper and thought it would work here.

Gale said people’s situations haven’t changed much over the years. Maybe they have lost a job, are suffering through illnesses, experiencing homelessness or have had vehicles break down, which hampers them getting to a job.

“The community has been great about donating,” Gale said. “There are many faithful ones. We have been blessed to have so many donors – from Merced city and county as well as from other counties and states.”

Part of Helping Hand includes distribution of 300 food baskets on Dec. 22, Gale said. Money collected during the holidays typically stretches into the new year.

Gale pointed out money donated goes to a landlord, utility or car repair shop to fulfill the need. She interviews people needing assistance and forwards their requests to Salvation Army headquarters, which then disperses the funds.

Gale said donors have made a great difference in the lives of many of their neighbors. Donations may be made payable to “A Helping Hand at Christmas” at 23 W. Alexander Ave., PMB 68, Merced, CA, 95348.

Donors have the option of having a message of up to 10 words printed in the Merced Sun-Star or they can remain anonymous. The Merced Salvation Army administers all funds received.

“Please join us with a spirit of generosity to make this Christmas memorable, both for yourself and for those who receive your help,” Gale said.

“Together we can show that Merced continues to be a loving, caring community, even when times are tough.”

This story was originally published November 28, 2014 at 4:55 PM with the headline "Helping Hand fundraiser hopes to spread holiday cheer in Merced."