A new holiday season, a new Basket to fill

Karen Collier knows the value of having help during tight times.

The Lake Ridge woman, a working single mother of four, had hit a "financial crisis" in her life last year and was faced with a gas bill she couldn't pay and the possibility that service would be cut off, she said.

When she sought help, the Salvation Army was one of the organizations that assisted her.

"It helped me get caught up. It meant a great deal," said Collier, who works for a local retail warehouse club. "It was there for me when I needed it."

This may be a new newspaper with a new look and name, but the tradition of the Christmas Basket fund has stayed.

Over the years, the paper's readers have contributed thousands of dollars to benefit the Prince William Chapter of the Salvation Army and last year helped the paper exceed its goal of $45,000.

In the Christmas Basket's 36th year, News & Messenger publisher Bruce Potter has set the goal at $50,000.

Potter said this year's goal was raised to emphasize the significant demand that has been placed on the Salvation Army and other charitable organizations.

"In these difficult economic times, it's important to remember that there are always people who are worse off than we are," Potter said. "And this year, more than ever, it is important for us to help the people in the community who are less fortunate."

The money is used to purchase food and clothing, and will also go toward giving Christmas meals, gifts for children and monetary assistance for those in need, said Salvation Army Maj. Samuel VanDenberg.

"It is going to have a tremendous impact on what we're doing," VanDenberg said. "It will help us help more people.

"As we go through the downturn in the economy, and for us to make it, we're going to need a lot of people to reach into their pockets."

Two early donations start off this year's basket.

Susan Svihlik, executive editor of the News & Messenger, donated $50. "On Thanksgiving, for my new grandson, Graham," she wrote in a note.

An anonymous donation of $20 was made "in memory of my mom, who spent her last Thanksgiving with us five years ago."

Former publisher Paul Muse, who was a member of the Salvation Army, started the fundraiser in 1972.

The Salvation Army's national headquarters in Washington, D.C., has a system of guidelines for distributing the funds. When people in need approach the organization for help, a social service worker evaluates the request based on the guidelines.

Individuals and groups can donate to the Christmas Basket.

Those who want to contribute in memory of friends or loved ones are encouraged to write a brief message or to include holiday wishes to be published with their donations.

Donations can be brought to the News & Messenger's offices at 14010 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge, and at 9009 Center St. in Manassas.