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 made at pressheraldtoyfund.org. 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 $4,805.

Each day of the toy fund campaign, the Press Herald will run letters from applicants:

After having our baby girl in May, I was unable to find work. Once I found employment, I have been having a hard time catching up with my bills. 75 percent of my paycheck is going to childcare.

We would be grateful for any assistance we could get on making our daughter’s Christmas brighter. Thank you!

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