Sometimes certain families seem to be faced with more difficulties than are imaginable, and the Jim and Lisa Collins family of Rockland is one of those.

Word has reached us that, last summer, 39-year-old Jim Collins was diagnosed with a genetic form of thyroid cancer, which led to the testing of the couple’s two children, Rockland District High School freshman Jacob Collins and RDHS sophomore, Kayla Collins.

Both were diagnosed with the disease.

To date, I understand, Jim Collins has undergone two surgeries; Jacob has undergone one surgery and is currently hospitalized for a related condition; and Kayla has had one surgery and is to undergo another.

And, if that weren’t enough for this family to endure, other family members have been diagnosed with the same disease, for which surgery is the only treatment.

To help them through this very difficult time, friends and community members are working to finish a kitchen remodeling project that the family had to put on hold when faced with these unexpected and overwhelming medical issues.

During the next few weeks, volunteers will be doing electrical, plumbing and carpentry work, and supplies are needed to help complete this project.

Suzanne Philbrook told me that Bill Harjula is acting as general contractor for this volunteer project, and that Tom McNealy is overseeing the electrical work.

An up-to-date list of supplies and information about the immediate donation of money or materials can be obtained by calling Philbrook, during the day at 594-5650, or evenings at 596-0183.

You can also e-mail her at suzyq@midcoast.com for more information.

Arrangements can be made to pick up any donated materials, and financial donations to help the family through this difficult and trying time can be mailed to Owls Head Baptist Church-Collins Fund, P.O. Box 81, Owls Head 04854.

Director Jan Cox and members of the Brewer Hometown Band invite you to attend a Holiday Concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, in Brewer Auditorium.

“There is no admission for the concert,” Cox wrote, “but the Band would like concert-goers to bring nonperishable items for the Brewer Food Cupboard.”

She reports that “band members will be donating to that cause as well.”

The concert features “lively seasonal music, a grand spread of refreshments, door prizes and, maybe, a visit from old St. Nick himself.”

Cox suggests this is a great way to “take a break from shopping and baking” and attend a concert that “is sure to bring you back to the spirit of the holidays.”

You are cordially invited to enjoy a free Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, in Peakes Auditorium at Bangor High School on Broadway.

Scott Burditt will be conducting the BHS band, William Bell the BHS orchestra and George Redman the BHS Chorus and Chamber Choir.

I’ll have more information about this event nearer the date but, right now, your donations are being requested for the Terry Harriman Fundraiser, planned for Sunday, Jan. 8, at Tozier’s II in Bucksport.

The dual event includes activities for those 21 and under from 1 to 4 p.m. that day and for adults from 4 to 7 p.m.

Admission is $5 per person for each event.

Currently, organizers are asking for donations of prizes for the raffle and food for the planned potluck buffet, as well as any monetary contribution that will directly benefit the Orland resident who is undergoing treatment for cancer.

If you are able to contribute a potluck item for the supper, call Dawn Spoher at 469-1104.

If you can contribute prize donations, call Michele Adams at 469-6769 or 469-7440, Margaret Rankin at 469-7554 or Neva Wardwell at 469-3964. Requests for pickup can be made when you call.

Donations can also be delivered to Ed’s Automotive on Route 46 in Bucksport, and raffle tickets can be purchased at Tozier’s II on Route 1 in Bucksport, or from any of Harriman’s many friends who are working on this fundraiser.

Bill Rae of Manna Ministries reports that now through Wednesday, Dec. 21, Manna representatives will be at J.C. Penney Court in the Bangor Mall to accept your gifts for those in need.

Through this week, Manna reports, more than 900 people have requested help with everything from fuel oil to sweat pants and shirts, socks, gloves and flannel shirts.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.