The Portland Press Herald Toy Fund aims to provide toys for 7,000 children in Cumberland, York, Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Knox counties. Applications are being accepted and readers of the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram are once again encouraged to put smiles on children’s faces during the holiday season.

Applications can be downloaded at pressheraldtoyfund.org or call 791-6672 to have one mailed to you, or pick one up at the Welcome Center desk on the fifth floor of One City Center in Portland.

Donations can also be made on the website or checks can be made out to the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 7310, Portland, ME 04112. The campaign’s fundraising goal this year is $300,000. The total raised so far is $9,640.

Each day of the toy fund campaign, the Press Herald will run letters from applicants:

I have two children and have very little income. I did have Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, but it was cut because of the time limit.

My son has post-traumatic stress disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, so it has been very hard to have people help me with him while I work. I’m trying my hardest as a single mom to do what I can for my children, but money is just not there to buy Christmas gifts. If you can please help my two children, that would be great. I know my children would be happy to have some gifts under the tree. Thank you.