As we enter the last weekend before Christmas, thanks go out to all the individuals, families and groups of people, far and wide, who have contributed so far to the Santa’s Helper Fund.

With the $1,444.26 received today, we’ve collected $46,106.08, which brings us very close to our goal of reaching $50,000 before the end of the month.

Lynn Hunt, Brenda Crosby, Judith Watson and their computer-technology classes held a special holiday bake sale at Brewer High School and raised $394.26 for the Santa’s Helper Fund.

Elizabeth J. Turner of Durham, N.H., sent a donation in the amount of $40 in honor of Walter Turner of Orono, who taught his children to think of others less fortunate than themselves.

Other donations came from Anita and Fred of Hermon, $50; Wendy, Les, Lauren and Jade Plissey, Houlton, $25, in memory of Adam Plissey; and Mildred and Scotty, Medway, $25, in memory of Jimmy Stanley; Janice A. Scanlon, Pembroke, $25; Tate’s Bus Service, Corinth, $50, in memory of Harvard and Margurite Tate; Tate’s Strawberry Farm, East Corinth, $50, in memory of Gerald Waker and Madeline Frances; Joe and Glo McNichol, Pittsfield, $25; and Maxine Fitz, Glenburn, $35, in memory of her husband, Elmer Fitz and daughter, Beverly.

Contributions also came from Wanda J. Thomas, Orono, $25; Rena Boutot, Portage, $30, in loving memory of Mack, Bryon, and Kathy Boutot; and Bob and Margie Downing, in loving memory of their son, Lance Downing, Etna, $20; Carolyn Blodgett, Penobscot, $25, in loving memory of her husband, Donald C. Blodgett; Julia J. Pennell, Waterville, $50, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Kilton, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Pennell, and Cyndi Pennell; Peter and Kathy Nadeau, Bradley, $20; and James and Patricia LaBree, Bradley, $100.

Also donating were Janet Gardner, Bangor, $25, in memory of Michael R. Garen; Ed MacDonald and Shirley Lowery, Hampden, $100; Conor O’Brian of Rose Valley, Pa, $25; Meg O’Brian of Rose Valley, Pa., $25; Kylie Davis of Carbondale, Colo., $25; Keegan Davis of Carbondale, Colo., $25; Sinead Scott of Portland, $25; and Darrah Scott of Portland, $25.

Contributing anonymously were: $10; $20; from Cocoa, Fla., $20; Brewer, $50; in memory of Traci and Bim, Bangor, $25; Dixmont, $50; and in loving memory of Teddy Strout, $25.

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 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.