Shortly after Richard and Norma Coughlin moved to southern Maine decades ago, they read in the newspaper about what was then called the Bruce Roberts toy fund and how it was seeking donations to buy toys for children who would otherwise go without presents to unwrap on Christmas.

The fund is now called the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund in the Spirit of Bruce Roberts. And the Coughlins are still loyal supporters. “We’ve been donors to the toy fund for as long as I can remember,” said Richard Coughlin, now 84.

They give about $100 a year, and the check arrives every year with a note: “In memory of our son, Lindy Coughlin.”

Lindy’s real name was Richard Coughlin Jr. His nickname also got passed down from his father, who first earned it while playing football at Bates College.

The younger Lindy died when he was 24 years old, years before the couple moved to Cape Elizabeth and learned about the toy fund. They decided to honor him by supporting the fund each year. And while the toy fund isn’t the only charity that the couple supports at this time of year, they still appreciate the mission all these years later, Richard Coughlin said.

“Its focused on children, and that’s a good place to be focused.”

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 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.

Friday’s Toy Fund donors:

Diana Washburn $50

In memory of Robyn’s little angel, Hugo $25

Officers and Members of Beacon Chapter#202 Order of the Eastern Star $50

Merry Christmas! John Bennett and Abigal Snyder $100

Mark Kiefner and Nancy Bogg $100

Joan and Arthur Cope $25

Anonymous $22.60

Art and Carol Dresser $100

In loving memory of Robert P. and Carolyn B. Snyder $100

Anonymous $200

In memory of Althea Noyes $50.00

In memory of Frank S. O’Donnell $50

First Congregation Church – Mission Committee $300

Beverly Baker $20

In loving memory of David Poirier from The Family… $20

Marsh Agency $100

Fore Street Gallery $150

In Memory of Kay $50

Lions Club of Cape Elizabeth, Inc. $250

Richard Brooks $100

Total to date: $5,990.60

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