Dear Portland Press Herald Toy Fund,

It is really hard for our family to ask for help. Last year was a very nice and fun time, but our tree was very bare. My kids deserve more, but with only my husband working right now, it has been very hard making ends meet every month, let alone birthdays, events, sports and now, Christmas.

I am currently in school for medical billing and coding. I feel very lucky to be doing this and look forward to working in the field.

I would like for my children to have a nice Christmas. To see their eyes light up on Christmas morning is worth stepping out of my comfort zone and asking for help. 

– Thank you so much,

Struggling family 

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 $42,065.

Donors:

From Dick & Bev Intravaia $50

Barbara & Gregory Lepage $50

In memory of, Warren & Sena Herbert and Henry & Irene Ducharme. The Ducharmes $25

P.L. Associates, LLC $1,250

Susan Graham $100

In memory of our mother Peggy McKinnon and our brother Jack McKinnon who both loved Chrsitmas – Marijane Davock $50

From Grampy Hodgman’s girls – Is, Ab, Anna, Emma and Lucy $25

In Honor of Betsey Webber, Mary Webber and Nancy Webber Keeler – Jerry Angier $75

In memory of Virginia Gammon, Joshua and Evelyn Libby – Stanley and Barbara Libby $30

Linda Warner $50

In loving memory of our beloved Bentley, Daniel Bellino, Rev. & Mrs. Robert Haldane Sr. – Merry Christmas! – Dave & Cathy Sawtelle $75

In loving memory of my son Tim, Jim & Jackie Durant – James Durant $100

Anonymous $50

Don & Diane Day $100

Suzanne & Roy Jackson $25

In memory of Nan & Grampa Dunton – Harrison & Drake $50

Virginia Mackey $150

Merry Christmas – From Jim & Kathy Ryan $100

Anonymous $30

In memory of Mr. & Mrs. John Scanlan – Jean Scanlan $100

The Putman Family Children and Grandchildren $500

Postal employees raffle from Scarbrough, Westbrook, and Gorham $80

Robert Beith $50

In loving memory of MKMS – Joanne McAloon $30

James Burcham $100

Marjorie & Tom Berman $100

Colin Farmer $50

To my sister “Boo” $25

Joseph Kocknavate $1,000

David & Carol Boston …$100

In memory of the late Reverend & Mrs. Gordon F. Parlin. Bob & Ann Marie Parlin $100

W Joan Bartlett $50

Beacon Chapter #202 Order of Eastern Star $50

Beverly & Donald Esson $100

In memory of loved ones passed. Jean Winslow $25

VFW Deering Memorial Auxillary 6859 $25

Anonymous $50

For Two Moms & A Dad: Margaret, Evelyn, and Jack $30

Margaret R. Johnson $25

Mrs. Morton’s Class of Manchester School, Windham, ME $50

In memory of Kyle St. Clair. Pa & Jeanie $25

Unity Lodge #3 Independent Order of Odd Fellows $500

Jayne & Bill Nilson $35

In memory of my daughter Linda J. Doughty. Judith B. Currier $100

In memory of James & Eleanor Kehoe and Raymond Davignon. Dolores R. Kehoe $150

In memory of Cathie, Connie, and Bob. Linda B. Michael $100

Anonymous $30

Jim & Liz Maier $100

Robert & Ann Rosi $25

In memory of our first grandson, Will, with love from his Maine grandparents. Margaret & Skip Wilkis $250

In loving memory of Phil, Kay, and Tommy Casasa from your family. Kathleen Casasa $300

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