Our weekend mail carried with it more than $5,000 in donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund, bringing our total to date to $37,262.79. With Christmas just around the corner, this will go a long way toward providing a happy holiday for many needy people in our communities. With this kind of generosity, we’re optimistic about reaching our goal of $50,000 by Dec. 31.

As well as cash contributions, we also received a box of 35 pairs of beautifully hand-knit mittens from Roberta Worster Murray of Springfield.

Thanks go out to Roberta and other contributors who include: employees of Domtar’s Woodland Mill, $600; in loving memory of Barry Fraser from Frances Fraser, East Millinocket, $50; Jann Jones, Glenburn, $50; Maurice W. Miles Post No. 4527, Orrington, $50; First Congregational Church, Women’s Fellowship, East Millinocket, $100; Doug and Jean Segee, East Millinocket, $25; First Congregational Church, Homemaker’s Club, Brewer, $25; Rita Sereyko, Howland, $20, in memory of Kenneth Sereyko; and Starr Inn East Chapter No. 17, Order of the Eastern Star, Bangor, $100.

Also donating were: Bangor Mailer’s Union No. 159, Bangor Daily News, $100; Loraine Arnold, Orono, $25, in memory of her husband, Richard E. Arnold Sr.; Wanda and Gary Sainio, Washington $25; Tammy and John Bryant, Appleton, $50, in memory of Gertrude M. Bryant; Peggy and Charles Sisson, in memory of Burton Spinney, Winterport, $25; Roger and Lea Lane from Franklin, in memory of Keith Edwards of Island Falls and Sport and Blossom Lane of Winter Harbor, $75; and Burton-Goode-Sargent Chapter 1, Korean War Veterans, Bangor, $25.

Other contributors include Dortha Brouty Grey, Bucksport, $10; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel W. Juska, Atkinson, $20; Marvin and Joan Crocker, Lincoln, $25; Ursula Heiniger, Trenton, $25; Drew, Rachel, Jacob and Nancy Caron, Eddington, $50; Dick and Jean Leahy, Old Town, $100; in loving memory of Stephen Dunning from his family, Kenduskeag, $100; in loving memory of Mama and Papa Baron and Jerome from Beth, Bangor, $30; Wanda Passero, Hermon, $50; Gloria Westhrin and fourth-graders at Glenburn Elementary School, $40; and Clive and Corris Preble, Gouldsboro, $10, in memory of “Cuz” Phil.

Donations also came from the Sanborn family of Burnham, Clinton, Lisbon Falls, Troy, Detroit and Hartland, in memory of Charlene M. Sanborn, $50; Charlie and Pat Gravelle, Bucksport, $20; Reno J. Thibodeau, Van Buren, $20; in loving memory of Robert L. Tozier from Barbara, Wendy, Ken Jr., Wayne and families, Swans Island, $15; Bangor Elks Lodge No. 244, $1,000; Bridge Bash Girls, in memory of John Bacon, $100; from five caring and loving kids, Adam Delano, Chelsea Kronholm, Deeric Delano, Marissa Rossignol, Apryl Cote, Medway, $25; in memory of a great woodworker, Freeman LaVertue from “Cos” Rick Cosmos, $5; and Archie and Jackie Chadbourne, Garland, $25, in memory of their son David.

Contributing anonymously were individuals from: Ellsworth, $75; Millinocket, $50; Holden, $750; Bangor, with a Merry Christmas from “A Thankful One,” $1,000; Brewer, $10; Hampden, $35; Carmel, $100; Stonington, $25; Hampden, $25; Bucksport, $25; Bangor, $30; and cash $5.

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.