Jack is a widower and father of two kids, ages 5 and 7. His wife died in a car accident shortly after their second child was born. He has a job that covers child care and housing and the basics, but it doesn't provide health insurance.

Thankfully, his kids are usually healthy, but then his 5-year-old developed strep throat, which was going around his school, and he needed antibiotics to fight it off. The cost for the medication was steep without insurance, so Jack turned to the Salvation Army for help.

After an interview with a case worker, Jack was deemed eligible to have the Salvation Army pay for his son's antibiotic. This was a wake-up call to Jack that he needs health insurance to keep his kids safe and healthy, so he's now hunting for a job that will provide it.

Many people need help this year: those who are out of work, parents who are ill or have a sick child, or single parents struggling to pay rent, utilities and other necessities.

Hardships and just making ends meet may mean no extra money for gifts or a holiday meal.

The Salvation Army and the Salem News Holiday Fund work together to help those who need a little something extra get their lives going again, especially around the holidays when families gather. Donations go a long way to help neighbors get going again.

Want to help?

To contribute, send checks payable to The Salvation Army Holiday Fund to 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915. Contributions will be recorded and recognized in the newspaper in your name, or as indicated on your enclosed check. If you wish, you may list an additional family member, school, group or corporation, or designate your gift as a memorial (please specify).

If you know of anyone who needs assistance, e-mail holidayfund@ecnnews.com or write to Essex County Newspapers' Salvation Army Holiday Fund at the address listed above.

Do you need help?

To receive assistance, contact the Salvation Army at the following locations:

* Beverly, 50 Elliott St., 978-922-4522

* Salem, 93 North St., 978-744-5181

* Newburyport, 40 Water St., 978-465-0883, ext. 10