On this Friday morning, as we prepare for a weekend of shopping, holiday preparations or gatherings with friends, we hope you add to your list of things to do making a donation to the Santa’s Helper Fund. Many thanks to all the individuals, families, groups and businesses that have contributed so far, bringing today’s total to $6,013.

Many parents find themselves in desperate need at this time of year, and most have just one wish – to bring a smile to the faces of their children on Christmas morning. With your help, The Salvation Army can make that happen by providing them with food, clothing and toys – the very things other children around them enjoy every day.

Recent donations have come from: Mrs. Joanne J. Van Namee, Bangor, $1,000; the Svendsen family, Bangor, $110; Nia and Jacob, Bar Harbor $25; Ashleigh, Ryan and Haley Littlefield, Northeast Harbor, $25; in loving memory of Norman Megquier from Becky and Dan, Northeast Harbor, $100; Anonymous, Kenduskeag, $100; and from Marty and Candice Bendick, Bangor, $50.

Contributions also arrived from: Anonymous, Milbridge, $50; Laurie, Mike, Erin and Kellie Gonyea, in loving memory of Norman Lydick, Ellsworth, $25; Whitcomb-Baker Post 4633, VFW Auxiliary, Hampden, $50; Jeanne Twitchell, South Brooksville, $50; Anonymous, Topsfield, $100; Anonymous, Deer Isle, $25; Jessie and Paul Leonard, Newport, $25; and Anonymous, Newport, $25.

Also received: in memory of Roy and Thelma Warman and Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Campbell, East Millinocket, $25; Roberta Seavey, Bangor, $20; Robert and Helen Seavey, Bangor, $10; Eleanor Seavey, Bangor, $5; Anonymous, Millinocket, $200; Anonymous, Van Buren, $20; Leslie and Claudette Detrick, Medway, $25; Anonymous, Carmel, $100; and George A. Maxsimic, Orrington, $25.

Also contributing to the Santa’s Helper Fund: Melissa, Cheryl, Emily and Heather Havey, Franklin, $20; in memory of Robert L. Stimpson from your family – Annie, Tammie, Jeff and JR Brooks, $25; Ruth and Harold Dunbar of Ellsworth, $20; Keith and Marilyn Dunbar of Bucksport, $25; Good Sam Road Runners, Chapter 27, Bangor, $210; Arnold and Donna Stinson, Deer Isle, $20; Sam and Jan Fuller, Ellsworth, $40; Ada White, Frankfort, $20; Phyllis and Ken Chambers, St. Albans, $50; Bud and Arlene Neddeau of Carmel in memory of their beagle Buster, $20; and Arlene Neddeau in memory of her brother Herb S. Larlee, Carmel, $20.

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 column daily. Donors who prefer to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by donation amounts. Thank you in advance for your generosity.