Thousands of children are about to experience the joy of Christmas because of the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund.

And, through their gifts to support the fund, a lot of other kids already have.

Twelve-year-old Alec Tippie got into the spirit of the holiday when, for the third year in a row, he asked friends to bring donations instead of presents to his birthday party. He donated $150.

Nine-year-old Ian Watters experienced some Christmas magic when he sent in a donation for $25.

The students at Greely Middle School have been getting into the spirit this month during the annual schoolwide penny drive organized by Mr. Brookes’ fifth-grade class. This year, the total was $1,351.60.

The pre-schoolers at Tender Years Learning Center in North Yarmouth donated $120 after learning to do chores to raise money.

And at Brown School in South Portland, the fifth-grade fundraising project led to a huge donation this year – $1,045.

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 – serves 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.

FRIDAY’S DONATIONS

Tracy and Larry Lydon $100

In memory of Joe and Nora Nappi $100

From Allie and Sam $30

In memory of John M. and John W. Sullivan from Lynne Sullivan $100

In memory of our mothers, Diana Candage and Beth Ames – Pam & John Ames II $30

Supporting a healthy and joyful start to children’s development. Happy Holidays from the staff of United Way of Greater Portland $200

Lynch Family of Standish $25

Anonymous $50

In memory of Marie Brien,who loved Christmas, from Kathie & Warren Giering and Ernie Brien …………………………………………………$25

The following were previously accounted for, but were not completely published in the Dec. 11 paper:

In memory of Charlie McSwigin – The Harris-Gips Family $100

Merry Christmas to family and friends – Dick and Evie Tonneson $500

In loving memory of our parents, Carl and Millie Maksut $50

In loving memory of our parents, Joseph and Jacqueline Gagne $50

Nancy Greska $50

Flossie the Cat $75

In loving memory of Evelyn O’Connor, Dick and Rosemary Halpin $200

May Christmas bring many blessings – North Deering Congregational Church $100

Fore River Dock & Dredge Inc. $100

In memory of Chris Heavey $250

In memory of Wm. C. Mitton $250

Sue Kimball $20

In memory of John Porter Sr. from wife Rita, Grampa’s Boys & Papa’s Girls $30

Robert Tweedie $75

Shelley and the Freeport Yoga Company donation class $125

Regan & Russell $100

Anonymous $50

Craig Linscott $100

Beverly Esson $100

For Mom & Dad – Robert Miniutti $100

In memory of Barbara Bolster, who loved Christmas $50

Bruce Hirdler $100

Santa Jerry $100

Anonymous $25

Every child deserves a special gift at Christmastime $100

In memory of W. Earle Eskilson, who worked with Matt Barron at the start of the Bruce Roberts Fund $50

In memory of Sally Eskilson $50

From the Elves $25

Kebek 3 Motel $100

“Believe” $20

Patrick and Sharon Lee $100

In memory of T.L. McDonough $75

Nancy Tryzelaar $100

Jade and Lynne $50

Anonymous $400

Merry Christmas – Robert & Suzanne Turkington & family $75

Jann, Bob & Cooper $25

In honor of Nathan Eloian, from David and Mark $100

In memory of our grandfather, Robert Beith, whose inspiration started the Bruce Roberts Toy Fund – Susan Wilbur Collier & Jane Wilbur Perlowski $200

Merry Christmas! From Toby and Brynn $100

Santa Claus is coming to town! Susan Sarvay and Fred Kemp $50

In memory of Howard Fox and Rebecca Fox Carr, Love, Bill $50

Amonymous $100

Anonymous $50

So grateful for the Bruce Roberts Fund – they helped my Mom with her six kids; we would not have had any gifts without you, so thank you! The Dorr family $200

From Kevin, Brian, Tori and Charlie $100

Donald Starr & Serena Wakelin-Starr $250

Thank you, Jake Lawrence – Tim Crean $100

Anonymous $500

In loving memory of my dad, George Smith, from your daughter, Theresa $30

In loving memory of Derek Crowe – Dad, Mom and Kelsey  $100

From Mia, Oliver and Spence  $50

Nick/All, thanks for the invite to the Potluck at MHC. I’ll be out of town. Enjoy! Best of luck at the event – Andrew Rinaldi/Steady Vision $50

Gorham Superintendent’s office  $130

Skillin Elementary School, SoPo  $200

Total to date: $121,057.60

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