The Santa’s Helper Fund, which raises money during November and December to help families having financial struggles to give their children a Christmas, to date has raised $3,424.

Much more is needed, so please consider a donation to help alleviate some of the hardship families experience.

Maj. Debbie Burr of The Salvation Army has shared excerpts from letters she has received this year, pointing out the severe need that exists among our neighbors and within our communities.

“The reason I need help this year is that my husband gets laid off and I spend a lot of money for my meds. If it wasn’t for The Salvation Army, my 8 1/2-year-old daughter wouldn’t have a Christmas, because all our money goes for my meds and the bills. I hope to have at least Christmas presents under the Christmas tree for my 8 1/2-year-old daughter. Thank you.”

“I am a single mother with two children. One is 6 years old, in first grade, and one is 3 years old going to Head Start. (The older child) has a lot of learning issues. (The younger one) has had many medical problems since birth. He has had several surgeries and now is going to be having lung surgery this winter. Though I work part time, the doctors have requested that I try my best to stay home with him, that he requires one-on-one medical attention. Because of this, I have to call in to work often due to his sickness, which doesn’t leave me much of a paycheck to buy for Christmas. I would really appreciate your help.”

“I am disabled and all the money I get goes into our rent and bills and our 19-month-old has had stomach and esophagus surgery and her kidneys were refluxed too and she has spent the whole year re-teaching herself how to eat and drink, taking meds and now going back for more testing to see how her kidneys are doing and the older kids, as well as us, are worrying about her. We just want to have a good Christmas for our kids and we just don’t have the money.”

More contributions to the Santa’s Helper Fund have arrived, and thanks go out today to the following people: Elizabeth Noschese, Hermon, $100; Mr. and Mrs. Raymond H. Goodrich Jr., Hudson, $100; Mr. and Mrs. David Anthony, Alton, $20; Kenneth Devoe, Millinocket, $25; Dorothy McNulty, in memory of William McNulty Jr., Presque Isle, $50; and Penquis High School Softball Team, Milo, $20.

Donations may be sent to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329. Donors’ names and dollar amounts will be published in the Santa’s Helper column daily. Donors who wish to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by their donation amounts. Thank you in advance for your generosity.