Christmas is drawing closer and many of us are hurrying around to make sure everything is just perfect for our family gatherings. Many people living nearby aren’t so fortunate, and are just wondering how they will make it through the holidays, let alone buy extra food and presents for their loved ones. If you’re able to contribute to the Santa’s Helper Fund, you can rest assured you will be helping The Salvation Army serve the needs of many.

The generous donations that arrived today bring our total so far to $18,117.

Thanks go out to: Anonymous, Florida, $3,000; Louis and Nadine Sutherland, in loving memory of their son Bryant, Sorrento, $25; Ralph and Nancy Gildred, in memory of their parents, Ralph and Virginia Gildred and Richard Grace Sr., Bangor, $25; anonymous, Troy, $25; Ronald Stiles, Strong, $20; and Anonymous, Brownville Junction, $150.

Donations also came from Janet L. Lefferts, Corinna, $50; Leon Baillargeon, in memory of Emedy Baillargeon, Old Town, $25; Ronald Johnson, Searsmont, $100; Anonymous, no town given, $20; Kent Ward, Winterport, $25; Carey Donovan, Bernard, $30; Brownie Troop 539 that wanted to make a difference in someone’s Christmas, Holden, $20; Anonymous, Old Town, $10; Lee A. Honey, in memory of her mother, Dorothy Honey, Veazie, $25; and the Sheppard family, Orono, $100.

Also contributing to the Santa’s Helper Fund are Arlene Mooers, in memory of her husband, Ralph Mooers, Exeter, $25; Anonymous, Castine, $25; Joe, Pat and Joey Kelley, Hampden, $30; Lincoln Senior Beano Buddies, Lincoln, $10; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Juska, Atkinson, $25; Marion Chute, Orono, $50; Evangeline Mitchell, Washington, $10; Ken and Tina Budge, Springfield, $20; Dick and Fran Boone, in memory of their son Joe, Charleston, $10; in memory of Stuart and Lorraine Worster from Roberta and John Murray, kids and grandkids, Springfield, $20; Anonymous, no town given, $10; in memory of Elwell Chatto, Brooksville, $5; Anonymous, no town given, $20; and Anonymous, Old Town, $60.

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.