The Derry News Santa Fund this week kicks off its 29th annual campaign. It's shaping up as one of the most difficult in years because of the economy.

More families than ever need help, but it's tough to ask others to give at a time when many of them also face difficult times.

The number of unemployed is rising, and many of those with jobs are wary of the future and are forced to tighten their belts due to pay cuts and reduced hours.

Local residents have been extraordinarily generous through good times and bad, and we're counting on them again.

Last year, the fund raised more than $19,000 to provide food and toys to hundreds of local families. The fund works in partnership with the Derry Community Fund to make sure the help reaches the neediest families among us.

We couldn't do it without the help of local businesses, civic groups, schools and individual donors.

You can help by sending your tax-deductible donation to Derry News Santa Fund: P.O. Box 307, Derry, NH 03038. You can also drop off a donation at the Derry News office at 46 West Broadway.

Over the next several weeks, we'll publish lists of the donors and their messages of kindness, and tell the stories of those you are helping.

It's part of the holiday tradition here.