Asking for assistance doesn’t come easy to most people, and we’re sure it wasn’t easy for some people who recently wrote to the Salvation Army:

. “This year, because of my husband’s health, we almost lost him [liver disease]. We have no job. We are awaiting a liver transplant, so I am his sole care and need help. Thank you.”

. “I just lost my job and have no income. I have bills to pay and five of us to support by myself.”

. “We just can’t afford to buy anything this year and just can’t bear to see their faces on Christmas morning with nothing under the tree.”

Donations received so far total $6,532. Here are today’s contributors: Mrs. Joanne J. Van Namee, Bangor, $1,000; Eileen G. Donahue, Bangor, $25; Donna Curry, Island Falls, $25; Forest E. Rockwell Sr., Brewer, $50; Paulette Hinson, Stockton Springs, $50; Barbara Tagliarino, Winter Harbor, $50; The Fleming Family, in memory of Kilby E. Fleming, Medway, $25; and Henry and Maxine Hunter, in memory of her mother, Irene Pratt Jones, Macwahoc, $25.

Donations also came from Barbara Sulinski, in memory of Sherri and Henry Miles, Stillwater, $20; Bud and Evelyn Nadeau, in memory of their son, Larry, Milford, $25; Paul and Helen Cough, Bar Harbor, $20; Mr. and Mrs. M. Hikel, Bangor, $50; Annette Tripp, Frankfort, $10; Orville Putney, Pembroke, $25 and Gail Penrose, Bangor, $25.

Contributing anonymously: Old Town, $50; Newport, $25; Dixmont, $25; Frankfort, $25; Machias, $25 and Blue Hill, in memory of Mark and Gertrude Clapp, $100.

Please consider joining those who have already contributed to the Santa’s Helper Fund. The needs are many and great for many individuals and families in our very own communities, and you can be assured your donation will make a real difference.

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.