The people of war-torn Kosovo _ families with elders and children to care for, people who have lost everything _ are living a real-life nightmare. Before and since the NATO bombing began, their lives have been shattered. But we're not too far away, here on the Seacoast of Maine and New Hampshire, to help.

Amid the overseas plight of the refugees fleeing Kosovo, there has been a sign of hope here in the newsroom. It's been wonderful to see and hear the number of Seacoast residents who have called the newspaper to find out how they can help the thousands of displaced souls we see every day on the pages of the paper and on the screens of our TVs.

The best way to help is to contact the United Way of the Greater Seacoast. They can put donors in touch with non-governmental agencies in Albania, Macedonia and Yugoslavia working with refugees; and 100 percent of their donations will be sent to the affected regions quickly and in compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations.

Checks or money orders can be sent to United Way International, 701 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, Va. 22314.

Another way to help is to send a check to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3647, Portland, Maine 04104.