Henrietta “Henty” LaRou was a loyal friend to needy children in southern Maine.

Well known for her knowledge of local history and her volunteer and civic contributions to her hometown of South Portland, LaRou also was well known to the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund as one of the regular donors who always wanted to bring Christmas joy to children who faced bleak holidays because of circumstances beyond their control.

LaRou used to donate in memory of her late husband, Phillip, who died in 1996. She died just about one year ago, on Dec. 6, 2015, at the age of 94. And now, donations arrive at the toy fund in memory of Henrietta and Phillip.

The transition is a familiar one at the 67-year-old toy fund: Checks suddenly stop coming from a loyal supporter, replaced by checks in their memory.

Long-time donors like LaRou “are kind of like old friends we’ve never met,” said Kathleen Meade, director of the toy fund.

Toy fund donations in her name are a fitting way to remember LaRou, who lived a life as generous as it was long, and, when she died, had 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

LaRou was born and raised in South Portland, and devoted much of her life to bettering the community. She left her mark on South Portland’s libraries, the historical society and museums. She helped lead the land trust and led beach cleanups. She was a troop leader for Camp Fire Girls, taught Sunday School and was a leader at Holy Cross Church.

And, as a steadfast supporter of the toy fund, LaRou made a difference in homes and communities far beyond her hometown.

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.

WEDNESDAY’S DONATIONS

In memory of Bill and Mary Lamont who loved Children and Christmas  $100

Anonymous  $25

In loving memory of Belinda & Leslie Gray  $25

In loving memory of Iola and Raymond Leavitt  $25

In memory of Robert Pettengill from the family  $50

In memory of Bill and Alice Amero from the family  $50

Merry Christmas: Danielle & Brooke  $100

Linda Hanscom  $50

Merry Christmas from Lorraine Sarno  $10

In loving memorry of Nannie & Papa Flaherty and family  $50

In loving memory of Grammie and Grandpa Smith and family  $50

Merry Christmas – Manus L. Doten  $100

In memory of Mom and Dad Foss and grandparents  $150

Paul Loring  $100

In memory of my Dad – Sharon Lorrain  $25

In memory of my beloved Bob, my first and only love – Simone  $25

In memory of Hedy  $50

In memory of my parents – Marion & Edwin Brown – from Fran  $50

Everest and Macenzie Freeman – Merry Christmas!  $25

Anonymous  $25

In Priscilla’s Memory  $30

In memory of Larry and Aldona Barnes  $25

In memory of Phillip LaRou Sr. and Henerietta LaRou  $25

Merry Christmas from Ollie’s Mom and Daddy  $50

Janet Mordarski  $30

In loving memory of our wonderful parents – Dot & George Robinson- Suzanne & Sherry  $75

In memory of Flora & Walter Perkins  $100

In memory of Geraldine and Warren  $100

In memory of Angie Walker from Keith  $100

In thanks to God for so many blessings  $100

Olive Hart  $100

Anonymous  $40

In memory of Joe Robinson – “what a pretty day”  $50

Kathy Duell Camire  $50

In memory of Mr. & Mrs. James H. Kehoe and Mr. Raymond L. Davignon  $100

Donna & Greg Barmore  $150

Best Wishes from Drumlin Environmental, LLC  $150

Total to date  $47,795.60

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