We are cheering here at the Suffolk News-Herald, thanks to all of our loyal readers.

The Cheer Fund reached its $40,000 goal this week, totaling $40,278 before the new year. We are blown away by the fact that we reached our lofty goal so early.

The Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund started back during the Great Depression, originally collecting clothing and food for the needy. It eventually morphed into raising funds for toys for underprivileged children at Christmas.

The numbers of children needing assistance this year rose from last year. But the Suffolk community responded in force and helped make sure all children could have a very merry Christmas.

Considering we spend a considerable amount of ink and newsprint throughout the year telling amazing stories about how generous and altruistic the Suffolk community is, we should hardly be surprised at how quickly we reached our goal this year. But we still are overcome with gratefulness, and we hardly know how to thank you.

Although donations are accepted all year long, there are only a few weeks left to give in order to have it counted toward this year’s total.

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.