A mother of two young girls in the Portland area wrote in a note to the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund that she tries hard to teach her children not to focus on material things.
“They get it for the most part,” she wrote. “All throughout the year they hear: ‘We don’t have money for this. … We can’t afford that.’ ”
But she also knows that all of her efforts won’t keep them from feeling forgotten, and maybe unworthy, if they don’t have presents to unwrap on Christmas.
“Come Christmastime, they believe that Santa brings stuff to the good kids. Let me tell you, they are really good kids – kind, respectful, loving, humble.
“So, I am requesting help to fill this expectation. … And, truly, I appreciate greatly that your program is here to help my family and countless others to bring the magic of Christmas to the kids. Thank you so very much!! Have a blessed, happy, Merry Christmas.”
The Portland Press Herald Toy Fund 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 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 $108,828.30.
DONATIONS
Maine Medical Center, Engineering Services $250
Merry Christmas from Lexxi, Pennie and Paws $500
Where it is needed most $500
Friends of Bow Street Market $150
In memory of my parents – Ronnie Small $250
For the hardworking nurses & staff of MMC&MMP Surgical Care – MMP Surgical Care Surgeons $2,000
Purpoodock Women’s Golf Association $50
Merry Christmas from the LaMagnas $100
Merry Christmas! $500
Donated on behalf of Unum NCG Implementation Team $50
With hope for ever brighter Christmases $150
In loving memory of my dad, Jim Wallace $100
Hi $25
In honor of a grandnephew’s first Christmas $100
Happy Holidays! Madison, Nicholas & Ryan Buckley $150
In memory of Dick Hawes…$100
The Millers $100
Happy Holidays – The Kingsleys $25
Jenifer Stewart $50
Richard Merk $50
Adah Ginn $100
Barbara Marr $75
Merry Christmas – Nancy Lentz $25
In memory of Herb & Winnie, Larry & Sylvia $100
Lori Cook $150
John Wilson $50
In memory of Becky and Arnold $100
Gina, Stefano and Nicola $300
Marilyn Weeman $25
Nancy Tryzelaar $100
Mary Kathleen Sullivan $30
With fondness for children at Christmas – Jane McCarthy LCSW $50
Lesley Ewald $50
John & Gloria Tewhey $100
The Campbell Family – Richard, Cindy, Robert & Riley $100
Richard and Rose Coffin $30
Jane Rowell $100
In memory of Pastor Nancy $25
Sandra Matheson $100
Merry Christmas from Madi, Sydney, Piper and Hudson $100
Diana Washburn $50
Francis Maderia $50
In memory of Bernard and Bertha Garland from their girls $100
Order of AHEPA, Portland Chapter $300
In memory of Effie Comas who loved children $100
On behalf of Vicki $25
Merry Christmas – Alise and Scott Koocher $250
Merry Christmas from Keith and Barbara Sawyer $100
In lieu of local Christmas cards – The Gierings $25
Thank You – Claudia King $150
Wesley Lovejoy $50
Carol Nadeau $50
Elizabeth Allegretta $100
Today’s total: $8,260
Total year to date: $108,828.30
*Correction from 12/20 listings: Susan Wilbur should have been listed Susan Wilbur Collier
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