Thanks go out today to many more contributors to the Santa’s Helper Fund who brought the total raised to $11,187. With 20 days until Christmas, we feel optimistic about reaching the $50,000 needed by The Salvation Army to meet the basic needs of so many families and children in our region.

Contributing anonymously were people from Sangerville, $10; in memory of Mary Smith, Hampden, $50; in memory of Madolin Brown and Retta Baker, Millinocket, $25; in memory of Louise A. Sanborn, Bucksport, $25; Troy, $25; Kenduskeag, $100; Ellsworth, $25; Brownville, $100; Milford, $50; Brewer, $150; Monson, $50; Hampden, $50; and Topsfield, $100.

Also contributing were Wayne L. Shepard, Hampden, $10; Carmel Senior Citizens Club, Carmel, $25; Ralph and Nancy Gildred, in memory of parents Ralph and Virginia Gildred and Richard “Ace” Grace Sr., Bangor, $25; Betty Leach, in memory of her dad, mom and sister, Glenace, Springfield, $15; Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Nevells, Lee, $20; Joshua Chamberlain Chapter 1865, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Brewer, $100; Blanche Bradley, Stockton Springs, $30; and Christopher Urquhart, Corea, $50.

Also, Marie Gourde, Jackman, $35; Dr. Harold L. Chute, Orono, $50; Bernard Walls, Machias, $150; Fred and Diane Hutchinson, Lamoine, $50; Robert F. Tuthill, Brooks, $25; Derald H. Cochran, Bangor, $25; Pamela D. Chute, Brewer, $50; Catherine M. Ericson, Holden, $15; Jane F. Warker, Castine, $100; Brent and Michele Slater, Bangor, $35; Marilyn and Jay Kemm, Hampden, $50; Pete and Eleanor Veilleux, Hampden, $15; and Mac, Maynard and Harry of Brooklin; $300.

Also contributing were Connie Seavey, in memory of her beloved son, Herb Damon, Mount Desert; $25; Arnold and Donna Stinson, Deer Isle, $20; Debra Welch, Dixmont, $25; Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Limeburner, in memory of their grandson, Ben Jewell, $50; Bob and Joyce Lander, Abbot, $25; Tyler James Black, Bangor, $5; Mrs. Dorothy Tozier, in memory of her husband, Ralph Tozier, Hermon, $25; Clarence and Barbara Herrick, in memory of Scottie Herrick, Guilford, $25; and Morty and Candice Bendick, Bangor, $50.

Additional donations arrived from Mary Ann Buck, in memory of her husband, Herbert Buck Sr., Stillwater, $25; Kate and Wayne Hamilton, Orono, $50; Milton and Ida Hamilton, in memory of Calvin D. Hamilton Sr., Ellsworth, $25; James Megquier, Glenburn, $10; and Phyllis and Ken Chambers, St. Albans, $50.

A donation acknowledged Tuesday from Virginia Tillinghast of Winterport also should have read, in memory of Ted Farrell.

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