The Santa’s Helper Fund kicked off on Thanksgiving Day. The Santa’s Helper Fund is part of an effort to raise money for Salvation Army Units in northern Maine and Down East. Our goal is to raise $50,000 in the next 34 days.

Each day in the Bangor Daily News, Santa’s Helper will list its contributors and the amounts donated. Contributors may give in honor or memory of a loved one. Donors may maintain anonymity by writing “anonymous” on a note accompanying their gifts. Due to the long holiday weekend, we have not yet received the first donations. Therefore, the list of donors will begin tomorrow.

Here’s an example of a family in our community who will benefit from your donation to the Santa’s Helper Fund: A single mom writes that she needs help providing for her two children. They are growing out of last year’s winter coats and boots. When the holidays arrive, it is difficult for her to pay the bills and provide extra for clothes or gifts. A donation to the Santa’s Helper Fund would help the Salvation Army provide winter clothing to this family.

Please send your donation to The Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. All contributors will be recognized in the NEWS unless anonymity is requested.