Thanks go out this morning to the following people who recently contributed to the Santa’s Helper Fund, which collects money used by The Salvation Army to help the less fortunate in your communities have a little brighter holiday:

Clarence and Barbara Herrick, Guilford, in memory of Sharon Bunker, $25; Anonymous, Milbridge, $25; Selda and George Maxsimic, Orrington, $25; Pauline and Brian McNally, Sherman Mills, in memory of Dorothy Robinson, $10; and Barbara Fleming, Medway, in memory of Kilby E. Fleming from The Fleming Family, $25.

Also making donations were Elena Leighton, Bangor, in memory of Fred, Hazel and Marie Stanley of Winterport, $50; Patrick and Merrilee Kirby, Glenburn, $25; Dawn Pinkham Crocker, Howland, $25; Anonymous, Old Town, $15; Normand Deschaine, Old Town, $100; David and Linda Harvey, Corinth, in memory of Richard “Dick” Worster and Ann Marie Worster, $50; and Albert and Kathleen Mitchell, Eddington, $20.

Contributions also came from James and Beatrice Fraser, Millinocket, in memory of Barry Fraser (from Mom and Dad), $50; Todd and Laurie O’Brien, West Enfield, $100; Justin O’Brien, West Enfield, $5; Katie O’Brien, West Enfield, $1.

These donations bring the Santa’s Helper Fund to $8,345.

For many people, this past weekend was a busy one, perhaps traveling home from an extended Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, or maybe getting a jump on the Christmas shopping list. After all, Christmas is less than four weeks away. But for many, it was the same as every other day, with real worries about feeding family members or keeping them warm.

As you regroup this week and contemplate the Christmas holiday ahead and how you can help make it truly meaningful, please consider the Santa’s Helper Fund. A contribution, no matter how large or small, will have a huge impact on the lives of so many.

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 prefer to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by their donation amounts. Thank you in advance for your generosity.