You’re probably reading this on Christmas Eve, and that means that more than 2,000 children are going to experience a very merry Christmas tomorrow thanks to you.

You, our loyal readers, have propelled the Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund to new heights this year. We have been amazed at how generous you have been and how quickly we have seen this year’s total approach the $40,000 goal.

We are now fewer than $4,000 away from the $40,000 goal, and we are so grateful for your support. The need was great this year, and the number of children in need of gifts for Christmas increased from last year.

The Suffolk News-Herald’s Cheer Fund is the quintessentially Suffolkian charity. It is run by Suffolk’s hometown newspaper, supported by many of our fellow Suffolkians and helps only children who live in Suffolk. None of the money, save for a small annual fee required by the state, goes anywhere but toward toys for Suffolk children.

If you, your family, your organization, your club or your church has donated this year or in the past, we thank you. If you plan to donate, we thank you. There’s still time to give this year and have it count toward our goal.

Donations for the Cheer Fund are accepted year-round, so it’s not too late to give this year. To do so, write a check payable to the Cheer Fund and mail it to P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439, or stop by our office at 130 S. Saratoga St. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Online giving is also available. Visit Suffolk Cheer Fund on Facebook to find a PayPal link.

We thank you again for your generosity, and we wish you and yours a very merry Christmas.