As the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund helped more and more families share the joy of Christmas over the past six decades, it also has built a large community of supporters around the state, and beyond.
One of the latest donations to arrive was a $500 check from a family in the Midwest. A note attached to the gift said they had once been on the receiving end of the fund and were now in a position to give back.
“The Rush family will never forget there were toys for three kids 18 years ago,” the note said.
The Portland Press Herald Toy Fund in the Spirit of Bruce Roberts continues to raise money and will accept donations year-round. The generosity of readers this year and into 2016 ensures that the fund will be ready again next Christmas to help families that have nowhere else to turn.
The fund uses donations from readers to provide toys to thousands of Maine children who might otherwise not receive holiday gifts because of hardships faced by their parents. The fund – now in its 66th year – helps needy families in Cumberland, York, Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Knox counties.
Donations to help buy the toys can be made on the website or by writing checks to the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund and mailing them to the fund at P.O. Box 7310, Portland, ME 04112.
The campaign’s fundraising goal this year is $250,000. The total raised so far is $121,422.57.
DONATIONS
In memory of Chas Towle Jr. $250
In memory of Nana and Papa and Grampa, the Slipp family $100
In memory of Laurence S. Allen Sr., Lou (Allen) Nichols and Mr. & Mrs. Paul J. Perry $150
Courtesy of Eddie’s Variety Store, Auburn Street, Portland $460
In loving memory of Harold and Theo Moxcey – Carole Luce and family $50
In honor of my bus driver, Mike Lavallee, Scarborough from Amelia Odlin $25
Ben Odom $50
In memory of Grampa Frary $100
Patricia and Richard Bernard $50
Murray Family Foundation $200
Penny Drive – Mabel I. Wilson and Greely Middle School, Cumberland and North Yarmouth $2237.07
C. Francis Egan $50
From: Kirsten, Lauren, Ella, Annie and Liam $100
In loving memory of my husband, Olaf Johnson, from Judy Johnson $25
Frank I. Brown School Community $713.20
In memory of Jay R. Lawrence $20
Patricia Frederick $100
In memory of Chester – Arrolyn $20
Two very blessed grandparents $100
Anonymous $100
In memory of our son, Jonathan Michael Sawyer $100
Today’s total: $5,000.27
Total year to date: $121,422.57
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