Although it is customary to give to charities this time of year, the fact remains that hardship ignores the holiday season, and can strike a blow at the most unlikely time. Several of the families who write to The Salvation Army and to Santa’s Helper are not desperate for a handout. Some are just trying to make the most of the time they have left with loved ones.

A mother writes that she was diagnosed with cancer this year. She is suffering from the side effects of treatment, but maintains that she will continue to battle even if the drugs stop working. Realistically, she doesn’t know how long she will be able to watch her children grow. Even though the family has health insurance, it is a burden to have the additional costs of healthy foods and vitamins to supplement treatment. Any help would be appreciated.

Your donation to Santa’s Helper will help purchase gifts, food and clothing (some of the basic necessities) for this family and others who are in similar situations. Please consider sharing with them today by way of Santa’s Helper.

The following are our recent contributors. Please join us in recognizing them for their generosity.

Mrs. Joanne J. Van Namee of Bangor donated $1,000; The Military Order of the Purple Heart – National Order of Combat Wounded Veterans in Brewer contributed $100; Kamda’s Pool Shed in Hampden gave $50; and the Fleming family in Medway sent $25 in memory of Kilby E. Fleming.

Courtney, George and Anne gave a $1,000 gift; Joshua McQuarrie of Brewer gave $25 in memory of his great-grandparents; The Belfast Bearfest contributed $585; Pamela A. Taylor of Bangor gave $75 for families in Washington County; anonymous in Otis gave $50; and The Courtland Living Center Auxiliary in Ellsworth donated $25.

Clarence and Barbara Herrick of Guilford sent $25 in memory of Scotty Herrick; Dalton and Sandra Gray of Dixmont mailed $25 in memory of all Christian Souls gone before us; and $15 was given in memory of Leanna Sandlin from her three sisters, Andrea, Maranda and Theresa Thibeault.

Marilyn Olmsted of St. Albans contributed $10 in memory of Vic Olmsted; anonymous in Milbridge sent $25; anonymous in Millinocket gave $25 in memory of Madolin Brown and Retta Baker; and Joyce Bowman and family in St. Albans donated $25 in memory of Errol Bowman.

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.