Over the weekend, several donations arrived for the Santa’s Helper Fund, bringing the total to $5,019, about 10 percent of the 2004 goal. All money collected for the Santa’s Helper Fund by the Bangor Daily News is given to the Salvation Army to help your neighbors in need in your communities.

Thanks go out to Dick Shaw, Bangor, $25; Frank Comeau, Old Town, $25; Muriel Doran, Lubec, $15; Jim and Darlene Doherty, Lubec, $100; Evan and Luke Wilkins, Gander, Newfoundland, $10; Maxine and Henry Hunter Jr. in loving memory of her mother Ferne Pratt Jones, Macwahoc, $25; and Doris Bates, Carroll Plantation, $25.

Contributions also came from Anonymous, in memory of RHL, Bangor, $50; Whitcomb-Baker VFW Auxiliary 4633, Hampden, $50; Judith MacDougall, Milo, $25; Joseph and Amelia Kief, Bar Harbor, $25; and Anonymous, in memory of June Eastman, Troy, $25.

Rounding out today’s gifts were: Corice Amazeen, Garland, in memory of Bobby and David Spencer, who died in a fire on Nov. 14 in Milford, $20; Cecelia Hickson, Hampden, $50; Sarah Hikel, Bangor, $100; and Anonymous, Patten, $25.

While we still have a long way to go, we are encouraged by the outpouring to date. We feel sure that with a little help from a lot of people we will be able to deliver to the Salvation Army the funds they need to bring a little Christmas into the homes of many needy people.

Donations may be sent to Santa’s Helper Fund, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 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.