A young, single mother from the midcoast wrote to the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund that she has new hope about being able to support her children, but needs a little more help in the meantime.
“I recently got a job,” she wrote, but at the same time no longer qualifies for public assistance that helped her while she was unemployed. She’s happy to be moving toward financial independence, but worries about the sacrifices her children might have to make along the way. So she turned to the fund to help.
“After child care, expenses and insurance, I will be unable to provide my children with a Christmas this year,” she wrote. “Thank you.”
The Portland Press Herald Toy Fund in the Spirit of Bruce Roberts is using 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 67th year – is accepting applications for toys from needy families in Cumberland, York, Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Knox counties. Applications can be downloaded at pressheraldtoyfund.org or picked up at the Welcome Center desk on the fifth floor of One City Center in Portland. Call 791-6672 to have one mailed to you.
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.
For more information and to donate online, go to: pressheraldtoyfund.org.
See more stories about the fund at pressherald.com.
TUESDAY’S DONATIONS
In lieu of local Christmas cards – Carl & Rachel Akin… $30
The Norris Family… $25
In memory of Jack Hines… $35
In loving memory of Theresa D. Pizzo who loved kids – The Pizzo Family… $25
In memory of Alan Goddard from Rhonda & Ron Green…$50
Tina & John Aresta – To bring some joy to children in need…$15
In loving memory of Scott from Lyndsay… $25
In loving memory of Ricky Emmons Sr. … $25
In memory of Peter DeTroy…$50
Paul and Stephanie Castle $50
Helen Anderson… $25
Tina and Les… $50
Kathleen Potrepka… $25
From Liam, Annie, Ella, Lauren, Kirsten… $50
Warm wishes to all from Pat & Steve… $100
For lost loved ones, from the Fryes… $40
In memory of Stanley & Violet, Oliver & Ethel, Blair… $35
In lieu of Christmas cards – Janice Rogers… $20
The Mastersons… $100
In loving memory of our daughter, Allison Broadbent Beahm… $75
From V and M Pike… $25
The Hendricksons … $50
In memory of Andrew, Matthew and Annette… $100
In memory of my wife, Terri Regan… $50
Elizabeth Goldsmith… $25
Merry Christmas from Russ Lunt Sr. … $20
Diane and Carl Walp… $50
Merry Christmas! – The Capriolas… $50
Patricia Messner… $35
In memory of George, Lucy, Arnie & Mary… $100
Michael Curci… $50
Total to date $45,435.60
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