By DEBORAH GERTZ HUSAR

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

A young woman new to Quincy would walk the streets, convinced that the people in the community cared nothing about her.

Help from the Good News of Christmas campaign changed her mind -- and changed her life.

The opportunity to help more people begins today as the 20th annual campaign sponsored by The Quincy Herald-Whig kicks off to benefit 52 area families this Christmas season and beyond.

"Good News obviously gives the community a way to open their hearts," said Claire Robinson, the campaign's casework coordinator. "It's amazing to see what people do every year. They come forward, are touched by the stories and make a big difference in lives."

In a year clouded by bleak economic news, the campaign offers hope to financially struggling families worried about how to pay their bills and provide Christmas for their children.

"We don't know what this economy is going to do towards the giving, but I've never known this community not to be generous. Even in the worst of times when people have trouble, they turn around and give. It makes them feel better," said Carla Gosney, the campaign's volunteer coordinator. "I think it will be as good a campaign as ever, as beneficial to those who give as those who receive."

It's often the children of Good News families who tug most at the heartstrings and spur generous giving.

Instead of facing the family's hardships, "they should have a normal day like every child and get to experience the joy that Christmas brings," said Jessica Dedert, who is in her third year as campaign coordinator for the Herald-Whig. "I envision the smile on those kids' faces when they open presents on Christmas morning. That's what keeps me going."

The campaign annually targets families struggling because of hardship -- a job loss, a health issue, an abusive relationship --and works to give them a boost toward a better life.

"We try to help them with more than Christmas gifts," Robinson said. "There may be bills we could help with that gets their monthly budget to a better place. We want to do that, too."

Major campaign needs include furniture and appliances. Many of this year's families also requested gas cards to supplement stretched-thin budgets or help with car repair needs.

"Transportation issues are always one of the things we see with people living in or near poverty level. If the car doesn't run, nothing gets done. People can lose jobs, daycare slots," Robinson said. "It would be wonderful if we could maybe have a few people come forward and offer mechanic services. Last year we did have one family that came forward and donated a repair job for a car."

Young and old, rich and poor all can play a role in the campaign.

"Even little kids can contribute in their own way," Robinson said. "If you get them involved in this type of project -- shopping, wrapping, making doll clothes-- it makes them maybe a little more empathetic as they become adults to the needs of others."

Families, churches and organizations can "adopt" a Good News case. Individuals can buy something on a family's wish list, donate new items to the campaign, make a financial donation of any size or volunteer their time.

"We have a need for volunteers to do the shopping for the cases. We have a need for people to help wrap the gifts. I might need some help with some clerical support this year trying to keep everything organized," Gosney said. "If somebody wants to help, we will find a spot for them. We never have too many volunteers."

Financial donations to the campaign are most helpful, but "if somebody wants to donate a thing, that's great," Robinson said.

Robinson encouraged people wanting to buy a specific item for a case to do so early in the campaign. "Many times a family gets shopped for, and we've already got that in the box," she said.

The volunteer center, located again this year at the Quincy Public Library Annex, 515 York, opens on Dec. 1. Good News items will be delivered and pick up on Dec. 16.

The willingness to help others can extend beyond the Christmas season.

"One thing we're hoping to do this year is promote that giving isn't just about Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's all year long. We certainly do need volunteers for many different agencies and organizations," Gosney said. "If you feel good about this, you're going to feel good about other things you might do throughout the year."

-- dhusar@whig.com/221-3379