The Press Herald Toy Fund has been here to help struggling parents since 1949.

It’s also helped a lot of grandparents over the years.

And, based on the letters seeking help this year, there are a lot of grandparents out there who have found themselves caring for young children once again and feeling overwhelmed at the holidays.

“Me and my husband have had full guardianship of our two grandchildren for about 6 years now,” wrote one grandmother whose retirement got put on hold to help her family.

“It has been pretty rough but we get by. This past year, we found out that my husband has kidney disease, so it’s been hard on us. He lost his job over it.”

Another woman wrote to the Toy Fund that her husband is on disability and she can’t work because she is caring for her young grandchildren as their mother struggles with addiction.

Yet another woman who is nearing retirement age wrote that she is in financial trouble as she takes on parenthood for a second time.

“I had to give up my full time job because we started fostering our three grandchildren.”

And a woman from southern Maine wrote that her grandchildren moved in because their mother is seriously ill.

“I’m a disabled grandmother and live on a fixed income. I have had financial struggles this year and cannot afford to get gifts. My grandson’s mom has a rare form of cancer and he has been through a lot this year with his mom’s illness,” she wrote.

For more than 70 years, newspaper readers have made sure grandparents like these can provide holiday gifts to their grandchildren.

To make a donation online or apply for assistance, go to pressherald.com/toy-fund.

Checks made out to the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund may be mailed to 295 Gannett Drive, South Portland ME 04106.

Names of donors are published in the Press Herald, the Sun Journal and the Times Record unless a donor wishes to remain anonymous.

TODAY’S DONATIONS:

(note: some donations include an additional amount to cover transaction fees)

In memory of Lena Dobson, devoted mother …… $37.13

Merry Christmas ! Rick & Janet Wolf …… $52.91

Leonard and Ann Guralnick …… $50

Susan Ross …… $52.91

Merry Christmas …… $52.91

Wishing everyone a happy holiday! GG …… $79.22

For fun and joy on the holiday season!  …… $105.52

Anonymous …… $42.39

Anonymous …… $100

In memory of David H. Allen. Patty & Darrell …… $105.52

Jim and Ginny Weaver …… $105.52

We hope this helps bring some Christmas magic to Maine children. Proprietors of Union Wharf …… $158.12

In memory of Doris Cook. Eddie & Marianne Cook …… $100

In memory of our parents, Phil & Henty LaRou and our sister, Laurie, who all loved Christmas and the holiday season. Cindy, Dick, Dan & George LaRou …… $526.35

In memory of Priscilla Montgomery …… $105.52

Happy holidays. ILA Local 861 …… $263.33

Doug and Deb Baker …… $105.52

In loving memory of Laurie K Small. Peter & Jean …… $52.91

John and Judith Peverada …… $100

In loving memory of Sam Tucker. El Presidente de Lobsta …… $111

Peter and Cindy Bishop …… $200

See you on the 24th. Donner and Blitzen …… $50

God bless us – everyone! Rachel Lovejoy …… $25

For Brendan, Pippin and Petey. Sandra and Michael Conroy …… $30

Hope this helps some little kids have a Merry Christmas! Diane and Carl Walp …… $50

Michael Dudley …… $100

In memory of Suzy and Angel. Ken and Polly Curtis …… $200

In honor of Clara and Emma …… $100

Anonymous …… $500

Merry Christmas from Susan, Patsy and Billy. Patricia and Susan Foley …… $30

In honor of family and friends. Merry Christmas! Dick and Evie Tonneson …… $500

Merry Christmas. Jim and Kathy Ryan …… $150

Peace and love. Jon Allan and Nancy Page …… $25

In loving memory of Francesca Perazzi – rest in peace. Thomas Crowley …… $100

David Smith …… $500

Press Herald employee potluck …… $297

Press Herald book sale …… $251

TOTAL TO DATE: $134,579.95