With just two days to go before Christmas, the staff and volunteers at the Salvation Army are working hard to make sure that everyone who is seeking assistance receives it. Because of the generosity of many people, Christmas morning will find many less fortunate families in our region experiencing the joy and comfort that most of us have come to expect and appreciate. To those who have given to the Santa’s Helper Fund, and those who will do so before the end of the year, many thanks for your kindness.

Today’ donations come from Ashley and Ryan Cole, in memory of their mom, Terry Cole, Bangor, $100; Robert and Shirley Stairs, Hampden, $50; Tom and Rebecca Stewart, Frankfort, $25; Paulette and Jerry Hinson, in loving memory of Mathew Fletcher, Stockton Springs, $100; Jane Pennell, in memory of deceased loved ones, $100, and in honor of her wonderful family, $100, Waterville; and Brooke and Shaun Gordon of Orrington, in memory of their grandfather, Donald Nealey, Houlton, $200.

Gifts also arrived from Ray and Ernestine White, Old Town, $25; John Field, Orono, $25; Betty Lent, in memory of her husband, John, East Millinocket, $25; Galen and Sharon, in memory of Sterling Thompson, Lincoln, $50; Teagan, Bevin and Brogan Prince, Veazie, $50; Marjorie and Robert Downing, in loving memory of their son Lance Downing, Etna, $25; Beverly Miller, Old Town, $25; Debra Welch and Betty Stevens, Dixmont, $25; Lee Honey, in loving memory of her mother, Dorothy Honey, Veazie, $25; and Anonymous, Holden, $25.

Contributions also came from Sue and Red Robbins, Bangor, $25; Robert and Shelly Gross, Mapleton, $25; Derald Cochran, Bangor, $25; Vose and Phyllis Armstrong, Ellsworth, $25; Sylvia and Arthur Edgecomb, Ellsworth, $25; Nancy and Donald King, in memory of Angela Hallahan and Nancy Thomas, Glenburn, $50; Lauren and Sammy Tingley, Madawaska, $10; Barbara and family, “In loving memory,” Swans Island, $20; Janice Scanlon, Pembroke, $25; The Hutchinson family, in memory of Kate, Sharon, and Alan, Troy, $25; Florence King, in memory of her husband, John F. King Sr., Pittsfield, $25; Jean Wells, Bar Harbor, $50; and Anonymous, Fort Kent, $25.

Today’s donations bring our total to date to $44,665.21, which represents 89 percent of our goal.

Thanks to all who have contributed to date, 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 wish to remain anonymous will be listed as such, followed by their donation amounts. Thank you in advance for your generosity.