A team of nearly 3 dozen pitched in throughout the holidays to make sure toys and books reached more than 4,000 Maine children.

A surge in demand this year prompted an extra order of toys and added shifts for volunteers, but every family who asked for help has gotten it, thanks to nearly $200,000 in donations.

Matthew Barron and Robert Beith started what would become the Press Herald Toy Fund in the winter of 1949, when — as they are now — times were tough for many Mainers.