With two sons under the age of 5 to care for and not enough child support coming in to pay the bills, a single mother from the midcoast is asking the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund for help.

The woman’s application says her monthly income of $563 is about half of her monthly expenses.

“My family helps me with some of my bills,” she wrote. “My boys do not get many new toys and such throughout the year because, as I stated above, I struggle.

“They deserve to have a great Christmas. As far as all of us being together on this holiday and not alone, we are so very grateful. But being able to sit together as a family and enjoy opening gifts together makes it a thousand times better. My family would be forever grateful.”

The Portland Press Herald Toy Fund is using donations from readers to provide toys to about 7,000 Maine children who might otherwise not receive holiday gifts because of hardships faced by their parents.

The fund – now in its 66th 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.

The campaign’s fundraising goal this year is $250,000. The total raised so far is $5,575.

Donations

Anonymous – $100

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

For a joyous holiday! Karen and Chuck Strandberg – $100

For all the kids who have a wish! – $100

Anonymous – $250

Thanks for all the great work you do! – $900

Cheers from Wrigley! – $100

In memory of a wonderful Mom and Dad – Jack Kennealy – $50

For family that needs help this Christmas! Michael and Mary Dell’Olio – $100

In loving memory of Alice Davis, from Debbie and Mick – $50

In memory of James Wallace, condolences – Dana, Anita, Paige, Shelby and Dalton Lampron – $250

Today’s donations: $2,100

Year to date: $5,575

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