Thanks go out today to the following people who most recently sent contributions to the Santa’s Helper Fund, which is used by The Salvation Army to help families in need around the Christmas holiday:

Brice E. Gould, in loving memory of his wife, Edith H. “Edie” Gould, Dixmont, $25; Anonymous, Topsfield, $100; Blaine Grass, Lambert Lake, $25; Eva Price, Bangor, $50; Leila Pearson, Bangor, $50; Casey D. Burke, Hermon, $50; and Anonymous, Ellsworth, $25.

Donations also arrived from Pamela Taylor, Bangor, $50; Mr. and Mrs. Clifton V. Bemis Jr., Old Town, $50; Anonymous, Bowerbank, $50; Donna Stinson, Deer Isle, $20; Deborah E. Germond and Kelsey, Bangor, $25; Anonymous, in memory of Frances Vachon and Bing Dicentes, Brewer, $20; Gould’s Automotive & Machine, Hampden, $50.

The money that arrived Thursday brought the fund’s total to $4,014. The Santa’s Helper Fund goal is to raise $50,000 by Christmas.

The following is an excerpt from another letter recently received by the Salvation Army. This appeal and the many others that arrive each day point out how severe the need is in our community.

“I am raising my four children alone. My husband is in Boston waiting to have back surgery. I am now working full time on the overnight shift so I can be here for my children. My 6-year-old daughter is very sick. She has a liver disease and we travel back and forth to doctors at the Mass General Hospital. Things have been really hard for my family and I wish I could give them a special Christmas. They are all good students and so helpful and responsible. I’d like to see them enjoy Christmas but I can’t afford the clothes or food we need, nevermind any extras. Thank you for any help you can give.”

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.