The Salvation Army continues to receive emotional letters from people needing assistance this holiday season. The following is an excerpt from one of them.

“I am a divorced mother of three wonderful children. I have a job working 30 hours a week at a local nursing home while my children are at school. I’m working hard to support my children on my own but with only one income my paycheck has trouble with just the basics, let alone any extras we may want. I want Christmas to be special for my children, and I know as they do that this means more than gifts, but to a child having something under the tree makes all the Christmas magic real. I ask for help for gifts for my children but the best gift will be for me, the look of their smiling faces Christmas morning.”

Thanks go out to the following donors, and all who have contributed so far. Your generosity is sure to warm the hearts and homes of many this Christmas. To date, we have raised $15,000 or nearly 30 percent of our goal.

Contributors include Arnold and Judy LaCombe, Winn, $20; Edward and Helen James, in memory of their daughter, Suzanne Bloom, Northeast Harbor, $25; David A. Luce and Missy, Brewer, $25; in memory of Glenn Woodman from Ted and Ron, Orrington, $50; Charlotte N. Foster, in memory of George Foster, Hampden, $25; Mr. and Mrs. Bernard H. Elkins, Hampden, $50; Virginia C. Miner, Bangor $25; Gary and Susan Young, Old Town, $25; Chad and Amanda Young, Old Town, $25; Chris, Tracy and Emily LeClair, Old Town, $25; and Helen and Amy Cota, Stillwater, $25.

Also, Grace Hesseltine, in memory of Gordon Hesseltine, $25; Janet and Bob Rourke, Orono, $25; Shane and Audra Eaton and “Beast”, Brooksville, $20; Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Grindle, Penobscot, $25; in loving memory of my sons, Norman J. and Michael L., and grandson, Michael D. Poulin, from Gilda Poulin, Howland, $50; Franklin Craig, Brewer, $100; Bangor Emblem Club #223, $50; Frances Grover, Machias, $25; in memory of Herbert G. Hanson from his family, Monson, $25; Philip and Judy Sherman, in memory of Norma Morgan, Patten, $25; and Janet Lefferts, Corinna, $50.

Additional donations came from the St. Peters, Woodland, $50; in memory of Summer Keene from Dan, Penny, Alex and Liza, Greenville, $25; in memory of Ottalee G. Blodgett from The Bartletts, East Millinocket, $15; Marion E. Folster, in memory of Earl, Old Town, $25; Tom Duchesneau of Orono, in memory of Cassie and Gleason Scott of Minturn, Me., $100; Janice and Samuel Fuller, Sr., Ellsworth, $50; Veazie Congregational Church Ladies Aid, $25; L. Mary Farley, Bangor, $25; Gloria Cowing, Brownville Junction., $10; Terry and Pam Duran at West Side Restaurant, Bangor, $100.

Contributing anonymously: $2.12; $20; Millinocket, $20; Orono, $50; Penobscot, $100; Blue Hill, $20; and Bangor, $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 Fund column 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.