On Friday, a box containing several dozen beautifully knitted mittens arrived. It has become a lovely tradition of one family in Springfield to send a box of mittens to Santa’s Helper each year for donation to Salvation Army to give to needy families, along with the money gathered in the Santa’s Helper Fund.

Roberta and John Murray and family sent their handcrafted mittens this year with the following message, in memory of Arnold Worster, Stuart and Lorraine:

“Hope these mittens keep some children’s hands warm. Happy holidays. Your hearts are certainly in the right place. God Bless.”

The Murrays’ hearts are in the right place, too, and our thanks go out to them and to all who have made monetary donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund to date. So far, we have raised almost $8,000 toward our goal of $50,000.

As you continue your planning for the holidays, please consider a donation to the Santa’s Helper Fund. It will only take a minute, but it will have a lasting impact on many unfortunate people who are counting on help from others to make it through the Christmas holiday.

The Santa’s Helper Fund will help the Salvation Army to provide food and warm clothing to many needy individuals as winter and the holidays approach. Imagine the joy your gift also will bring to the many children who will find a toy or two on Christmas morning thanks to the efforts of you and the Salvation Army.

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.