This has been one of the busiest and most devastating hurricane seasons in recent history. The outpouring of compassion, support and prayers has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. I’d like to sincerely thank our generous donors for their support of The Salvation Army’s relief efforts on the Gulf Coast. In New Jersey alone, donor support for the Army’s relief effort amounted to more than $3 million which in part has helped to assist more than 1,260,000 hurricane victims.

And, as we move into the holiday season, I’d like to ask for your continued support of The Salvation Army. You see, needs in our local communities have risen by leaps and bounds and we anticipate they will continue to grow during the winter season as people are challenged by higher utility bills, the cost of affordable housing, and the cost of commuting. For some, food and heat may become a luxury rather than a staple of life.

Inevitably, giving declines after a major disaster but our local needs do not. I’d like to ask for your continued support from our donors when encountering our red kettle bell ringers or when receiving a mail solicitation. It is only with the public’s support we will be able to continue our programs for the needy in our communities.

Once again, thank you for your support of the Gulf Coast hurricane victims and please help The Salvation Army as we enter a critical fund-raising season that supports our programs all throughout the year.

Maj. Stephen Banfield

New Jersey State Commander

The Salvation Army

Agency sympathizes with ‘plight of the possum’

I read your column in last week’s Hub and sympathize with your plight of the possum. Since we wouldn’t want to make your neighbors nervous or scare your dog, I’m attaching some information on possums from the book “Wild Neighbors, The Humane Approach to Living with Wildlife” from the Humane Society of the United States.

One solution you may want to try would be to use a one-way door (p. 33) to prevent the possum from entering the cozy den he or she has made in your garage. Another solution would be to store your trash in tall, secure trash cans outside the garage.

If, thanks to these tips, you are unsuccessful in getting rid of your uninvited visitor, we would forego possum stew of course, but would appreciate if you would share with your readers the fact that they are welcome to contact the Monmouth County SPCA at (732) 542-0040 for help with wildlife issues.

We would also like your readers to know the Monmouth County SPCA is gearing up for “Home for the Holidays,” a national program to find a home for every orphan animal. Your readers can stop by our shelter at 260 Wall St., Eatontown, this holiday season to meet the new love of their life and to purchase our beautiful and very popular “New Beginnings” 2006 calendar and our “New Beginnings” holiday cards.

Ellen M. La Torre

Humane Education

coordinator

Monmouth County SPCA