By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — In news that is no surprise given the current economy, the Salvation Army’s Pawtucket Corps has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people requesting assistance.

That’s why a donation to The Times Merry Christmas Fund is appreciated this season more than ever.
Since 1982, The Times has been inviting individuals, groups, businesses and organizations to donate to the Merry Christmas Fund in an effort to help the less fortunate have a happier holiday.
Every Christmas Fund penny The Times gets is forwarded to the Pawtucket Salvation Army to administer as needed.
Over the years, nearly $700,000 has been collected and passed along to the Salvation Army.
Times General Manager Richard Blockson said the Merry Christmas Fund is now in its 26th year, and “we are happy to continue the tradition of assisting the Pawtucket Salvation Army. As always, we appreciate the generosity of our readers and the many local businesses and organizations that help out.”
Major Eduardo Suarez, corps officer of the Pawtucket Salvation Army, said there has been a 30 percent increase in the number of new people visiting his organization’s food pantry.
He also said requests for financial help from people who have lost their jobs have  “increased tremendously.”
“We’re trying to help people as we can,” he said, “but there is a lot more unemployment right now.”
Suarez also noted that the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle fundraiser, which has a goal of $92,000, is far behind in meeting its target. “We’re only about halfway there,” he noted.
The Times wishes to thank those who have already given, including the just-received $3,500 donation from the Rhode Island Greyhound Owners Association and $471 from the “Pictures with Santa” event at Apex.
In addition, School Committee member Jim Chellel donated $110 (representing $1 photo for every photo taken with “Santa to the Stars” Brady White). He said he made the personal pledge to challenge others to donate to the fund.
Many of those who donate to the Merry Christmas Fund do so in memory of a loved one, and a number of area businesses donate every year. All donations to the fund are acknowledged in The Times (unless a donor requests otherwise). A continuing total is published regularly throughout the holiday season.
In addition, The Times, in conjunction with Lori’s Little Lambs Christian Daycare Center, is seeking donations of socks, hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, coats and toys to help area children have a merrier Christmas. Jim Chellel is also collecting new children’s pajamas and blankets to help youngsters keep warm this winter. Donation boxes for both causes are set up in the lobby of The Times office at 23 Exchange St., Pawtucket.
For more information on any of these fundraisers, contact Jane Giovannucci at 727-9292, ext. 1445.  Donations can be mailed to: Times Merry Christmas Fund, 23 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI 02860.