With less than three weeks until Christmas, there is still much to do. One of the more important things we can do, at any time, and most especially at Christmas, is to reach out to others who are in need. The Salvation Army staff and volunteers are working around the clock these days, identifying needs and making sure that all who are asking for assistance may receive it. With a donation to the Santa’s Helper Fund, you will be responsible for the joy that will be experienced in many homes this Christmas.

Today’s gifts come from John and Alice Bird, Corinna, in memory of son John Stewart, $25; Edwin and Margaret Berry, Hudson, in memory of Viola Cook from the family, $150; Alice and Richard Mills, Etna, in memory of grandson Ryan, $25; Lucille and Dana Haynes, Northeast Harbor, in honor of Spc. Richard M. Haynes II, U.S. Army, somewhere overseas, from Nan and Bop in Northeast Harbor, $125; and Dick and Charlotte Shaughnessy, Brewer, $100.

Contributions also came from Kent Ward, Winterport, $30; Anonymous, Searsport, $50; the Svendsen family, Bangor, $100; Penny Legere, Maine Guide Fly Shop, Greenville, in memory of Summer Keene, $25; Brian Giles, Orrington, $25; Louis and Nadine Sutherland, Sorrento, in memory of son Bryant, $25; Deanna and Larry Philbrick, Hampden, in memory of Elizabeth and Arthur Gallant, $100 and Roger and Greta Choquet, Bangor, $25.

Today’s gifts bring our total raised to $17,963, which represents 36 percent of our goal.

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