The Santa’s Helper Fund reached a milestone Tuesday with a total of $10,293 — about $1,000 more than on the same date in 1994.

That’s good news for the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has a list of more than 500 families, compared with 447 served last year. That means hundreds of children are going to have a better Christmas because of generous contributions to the Santa’s Helper Fund.

It was sad to read of the death of Jeannette Kennaday of Castine. She was a gracious supporter of the Santa’s Helper Fund for many, many years. She will be remembered for her generosity.

Thanks to the following contributors:

Shirley Robinson, Bangor, $10; Madeline Lane, Old Town, $15; Anonymous, Searsport, $20; Alice and Buck, Deer Isle, $50; Chris and Jack Lapointe, Brewer, $20; Anonymous, Stillwater, $25; Tommy, Mike and Stephen Howd, Sudbury, Mass., $30; Bob and Ada Snow, Bangor, $20; Winona Doucette, Brewer, $25.

Donald and Maureen Heath, Sedgwick, $50; Garry Ackerman, Baltimore, Md., $50; Anonymous, Bangor, $50; and a big box of mittens and hats from Roberta and Arnold Worster of Springfield; and a huge bag of hats from another of Santa’s elves, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Thomas McLaughlin, Brewer, $25; Anonymous, Lamoine, $35; Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Nevells, Lee, $20; Angela, Ken and Katee Laustsen, Millinocket, $25; Bernard L. Coro Chapter 22, D.A.V., Medway, $50; Bryan and Kari Hersey, Millinocket, $25; Anonymous, Bernard, $20; Dottie and George Boucher, Old Town, $25.

Ann and Herb Buck, Stillwater, $15; Eva Marie Price, Bangor, $50; Leila Pearson, Bangor, $50; Aaron Kennedy, East Holden, $25; Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Webb, Island Falls, in memory of Brayley and Annie Webb and George and Laura Getchell, $20; Cal and Rae, Medway, $25; Penquis Cruizers, Milo, $200.

Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Hawkes, Island Falls, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Webber and Hope Hawkes; $10; Carolyn Veilleux, Bangor, $50; Anonymous, Bangor, $25; Frederick and Bernice Overlock, Carmel, $25; Ruth and David Fessenden, Hermon, $15; Anonymous, Millinocket, $20; Agnes Whalen, Milford, $20.

Send your donation to Santa’s Helper, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.