Residents have pitched in to aid a Freeport family that found itself in disarray around Christmas following the death last spring of their infant son.

The story of Todd and Patricia Donahue, who lost their son from sudden infant death syndrome last May, was told in the Dec. 23 issue of the Tri-Town Weekly. Mason Donahue was just 36 days old when he died, leaving the family in a state of grieving that persisted. Todd Donahue, who is a clam harvester, missed several weeks of work, and the family fell behind on its lot lease at Wardtown Mobile Home Co-op.

Patricia Donahue said Monday two parties who want to remain anonymous helped them out with their lot lease. One donor paid the back rent and the other came up with the January rent. In addition, a local representative of the Press Herald Toy Fund provided the couple’s children, 4-year-old Raelyn and 3-year-old Tripp, with Christmas presents.

“We’re very fortunate,” Patricia Donahue, who stays home with her children and does babysitting, said Monday.

Dale Whitmore, president of the Wardtown Mobile Home Co-op, said that the Donahues became “very emotional” when they learned of the kindness of their neighbors.

“Even Todd, who is usually straight-up, was in tears,” Whitmore said. “They also got an offer from Freeport Community Services. It’s making other people sit up and take notice here, as well. There are people out here who do care.”

The Donahues had sought no assistance to address their woes.