Contributions to the 21st Needy Family Fund campaign exceeded the $75,000 goal and will help provide food, toys and warm shelter to about 800 Valley families this Christmas.

Hundreds of area residents and businesses have generously donated $78,114 so far to the annual fund sponsored by The Daily Item, Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. and Susquehanna Bank and administered by the Salvation Army.

Combined with a $25,000 matching donation from the Degenstein Foundation, the campaign has raised a total $103,114 to provide residents with food, toys, clothing and assistance in paying rent, mortgages and utilities.

Donations are welcome throughout the holidays because the Salvation Army provides financial and other assistance to families in need all year long.

“The fund is helping nearly 500 families in Northumberland and Snyder counties that wouldn’t necessarily have a Christmas,” said Major Sharon Cupp, of the Sunbury chapter of the Salvation Army.

Many of those in need are struggling single parents, unemployed or not earning enough to cover mounting bills as gas prices steadily rise, she said.

Major Cupp said she was brought to tears by a 16-year-old boy’s simple request.

“He said, ‘All I want, ma’am, is for my family to be together,’ ” she said. Another woman asked only for a coat for her son and declined a food basket.

Captain Kim Harris, of the Milton chapter of the Salvation Army, said many of the 300 families receiving assistance in her area are struggling with mortgage and heating payments this year.

“The fund isn’t just about toys and food, but it’s keeping people warm and in a home,” she said.

To keep up with rising energy prices, the Salvation Army was permitted this year to raise its $250 heating limit per household to $300.

“We could do that because of the Needy Family Fund,” Captain Harris said.

Daily Item Publisher Gary Grossman thanked contributors for making it possible.

“While the generosity shown the Needy Family Fund by residents of the Susquehanna Valley may not make any official list of the top news stories for 2007, the success of this effort may be the most important story of all for thousands of our neighbors this week leading to Christmas,” Mr. Grossman said.

“This is yet another demonstration of just how caring the Central Susquehanna Valley is,” said Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. President and CEO Roger S. Haddon. “Year after year, the good people of our area come through for those that need it most. This captures the true spirit of the season.”