With your contribution to the Santa’s Helper Fund, the Salvation Army will provide food, clothing and toys for families who are barely getting by. Medical problems, downsizing or loss of a breadwinner have devastated some families. These are situations that are difficult to predict, but have an awesome impact on the family budget.

Here are excerpts from one letter received by the Salvation Army: “My husband and I have two teenage girls. They are both special needs children and they are a handful. My husband works at a minimum wage job. I don’t, I need to be here for the girls and I have asthma. Our monthly bills are very high, and neither of us has any health insurance. It’s hard when the kids want things and we can’t get them for them. They are good girls. We would appreciate your help again this year – you’ve been wonderful to us. Thank you.”

Today’s donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund include: Nancy and Gary Spooner, Ellsworth, $100; Edgar Goldsmith, Bangor, $10; Thelma G. Turner, Bangor, $50; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Carter, Charlotte, $100; Donald E. Davis, Guilford, $25; Hazel R. Townsend, Caribou, $100; Joseph E. LeMay Jr., Bangor, $25; Marguerite Bradford, Old Town, $50.

Also donating are Alice and Conley Worcester, Southwest Harbor, $200; Carolyn and Everett Bradeen, Old Town, $25; Barbara and Fred Stetson, Brewer, $25; Jen and Dan Corbett, Bangor, $25; Julie and Steve Hintz, Bangor, in honor of parents, Alve and Charlotte Thomas, $100; and Alfred and Elizabeth Dow, in memory of their son, Terrance Dow, Levant, $25.

Additional donations arrived from anonymous from Frankfort, $20; anonymous from Machias, $100; anonymous from Milbridge, $25, and anonymous from Hancock, $100.

Donations may be sent to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. Your names and donation amounts will be published in the Santa’s Helper column daily in the Bangor Daily News. Donors who wish to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by their donation amounts. Thank you in advance for your generosity.