Today’s donations to the Santa’s Helper Fund bring us to 70 percent of our goal. This is extremely heartwarming for all of us associated with this annual fund-raiser on behalf of The Salvation Army. Donations have come from individuals, families and organizations including the Bangor Lodge of Elks No. 244, which sent $1,000, and the Messier family Christmas party, Old Town, which sent $760.

Other generous donations have come from Gilda Poulin, in memory of her sons Michael and Norman and grandson Michael, Howland, $50; Anonymous, in the names of Rita Mattall and Marjorie and Bill Philbrook, Millinocket, $250; Peggy Sisson, in memory of Burton Spinney, Winterport, $25; Juanita Moores, Springfield, $30; Anonymous, Millinocket, $25; Kennard P. Allen, Monson, $150; and David and Nancy Bean, Lincoln, $50.

Also contributing are Jay and Marilyn Kemm, Hampden, $50; Anonymous, Pittsfield, $50; Vashti Rebekah Lodge 35 IOOF, Orrington, $25; Anonymous, Millinocket, $10; Bob and Dianne Bubar, in memory of Ken and Mary Watson, Old Town, $100; Missy Harris, in memory of Betty, Joe and Mary Jo, Old Town, $25; Anonymous, Orono, $100; Jane Stewart, Penobscot, $25; Clifford and Dana Lippitt, Bangor, $50; and Lois and William Comeau, in memory of their grandson Nathan Comeau, Old Town, $25.

More gifts arrived from Anonymous, Hermon, $50; Beulah Thompson, in loving memory of her husband, Sterling Thompson, and great-grandson Nicholas Ronald Smith, Lincoln, $25; Anonymous, Bar Harbor, $35; Anonymous, Falmouth, $25; the Trueworthy grandchildren: Adam Delano, Derric Delano, Chelsea Kronholm, Marissa Rossignol, Apryl Cote, Madison Rossignol and Laura Cote, Medway, East Millinocket, and Albuquerque, N.M., $35; Anonymous, Brownville, $300; Richard Young, Milford, $10; Gerald Bourgoin, Winterport, $50; Rebecca Amero, Charleston, $50.

To date we have raised $34,927.47.

Thanks to all who have contributed, and thanks to those who are considering a donation to the Santa’s Helper Fund. Your gifts are greatly appreciated and will go a long way toward making Christmas bright for many needy families in our region.

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.