MEXICO — Donations of cash and items for the family of Pvt. Buddy McLain, 24, who was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 29, have been coming in steadily at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology.

Most people have provided monetary donations, said Melanie Babb, administrative assistant at the vocational school and coordinator for the fundraising effort. McLain’s widow, Chelsea, and son live in Peru.

Babb does, too, so she delivers items to the family as often as is needed.

Not everything is in the form of money, though.

Some people have donated stuffed toys, disposable diapers and other items for Owen, 15 months, as well as some personal care and household items for the family.

Babb said the employees at Region 9 are collecting funds for the family, as well as employees at NewPage Corp. in Rumford.

A local man has also offered to be Santa Claus on Christmas eve for the family, Babb said.

The school will continue to accept donations on an ongoing basis, Babb said.

The funeral for Pvt. McLain is set for 11 a.m., Saturday, at Mountain Valley High School.

Both Buddy and Chelsea have had strong ties to the vocational school. Buddy was a student in the diversified occupations program at Region 9. He graduated from Mountain Valley High School in 2006. Chelsea received her high school diploma through the Region 9 adult education program.

Those who wish to donate may drop off money or items at the school, or mail donations to: Chelsea McLain, c/o Region 9 School of Applied Technology, 377 River Road, Mexico, ME 04257.

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