For many, the days leading up to Christmas are very busy. There’s food to prepare, gatherings to arrange, and gifts to purchase for family and friends. The staff and volunteers of The Salvation Army are working around the clock to make certain that families in need, and especially children of needy families, have reason to be happy on Christmas morning. The donations that have come to Santa’s Helper, including those acknowledged here, will go a long way toward bringing comfort and joy to those who need it most.

Amy King of Lincoln has been extremely busy. We received a large box of beautiful, handmade mittens in various colors and sizes. These immediately were forwarded to The Salvation Army for distribution to those most in need. Thank you.

More cash donations arrived from a number of people and organizations. Thanks go to the employees of Brewer Automotive Components, Brewer, $325; Rod and Claudeane Gross, Orland, $25; Paul Bunyan Chapter No. 12 of the Maine Good Sam Club, Holden, $125; Evelyn Grant, Bangor, $35; and Viola Linscott, in memory of her husband, William Linscott, “who held The Salvation Army in high esteem,” Hampden, $25.

Gifts also were received from the Alley family, in memory of loved ones, Hampden, $50; Mary James, Northeast Harbor, $50; George and Marion Chebba, Hampden, $50; Carline Dunham, in memory of Bob Dunham, Winterport, $25; Anonymous, Newport, $25; and Anonymous, in memory of Anagram N and New Beginnings and in celebration of Regarding Riley, Old Town, $25.

Thanks also to Dave and Anne Benson, Southwest Harbor, $50; W.E.K.S. Club, in honor of Ruth I. Sibley at Ross Manor in Bangor, Carmel, $30; Mansolilli children, Ellsworth, $100; Leland Berry, in memory of his brother Raymond Berry, Holden, $25; and Janet Rourke, Orono, $25.

Today’s contributions bring the Santa’s Helper Fund total to $37,732.47, representing 75 percent of its goal.

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 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.