RUMFORD — The Rumford Hospital Development Committee wants to remind friends of the hospital that the 2012 Annual Appeal ends on Dec. 31.

“About 60 donors, both individuals and businesses, who gave to the 2010-11 Annual Appeal have not yet given this year,” said Barbara Belanger, Development Committee chairwoman. “Of course, we do have brand new donors to help the appeal along.”

Annual Appeal funds are uses to purchase equipment and furnishings that might not ordinarily be in the budget. Last year’s appeal enabled the Medical/Surgical Unit to buy ceiling lifts that make transferring from bed to chair easier and safer for both patients and staff. New stretchers in the Emergency Department and Specialty Clinics make patients more comfortable. An EKG machine is now housed right in the busy Specialty Clinics.

Individuals and businesses that would like to make a tax-deductible donation can send checks to Rumford Hospital, Attn. Community Relations, 420 Franklin St., Rumford, ME 04276. Anyone who needs to check if they have given can call Community Relations at 369-1143.