No letters to the Press Herald Toy Fund are filled with more gratitude than those from families celebrating their first holiday season in America.
“My family and I relocated to the United States earlier this year,” one mother wrote. “We are very grateful to be here and are working hard to adjust to a new environment, new schools, and a new way of life. It has been a big change for all of us, and while we are doing our best to settle in, things have been financially and emotionally challenging as we start over.
“I have two wonderful children…. They have been so strong and positive throughout this transition, even though it hasn’t been easy leaving behind everything familiar.
“I am seeking help from the Toy Fund this year to make their first holiday season in the U.S. a joyful and memorable one. I want them to feel welcomed and at home, and to experience the kindness and spirit of this community. Any support would truly mean a lot to us and would help bring smiles to their faces this holiday season.”
Some share stories of fleeing danger, and long and difficult journeys.
“I am an asylum seeker who came to the United States in search of safety for myself and my family. We have experienced the trauma of war, family separation, and extreme financial hardship. Every day, I lived in fear for my safety and the safety of my loved ones, and I am deeply relieved that we were able to find safety here.
“I am currently living in Maine with my five children and continue to struggle to meet our basic needs. This support would allow me to give my children a Christmas that I would not be able to provide otherwise. Thank you sincerely for your kindness and generosity.”
Another family wrote about arriving with no money or possessions after fleeing war.
“We praise God for our presence here and are very grateful to everyone who helped us and took the trouble to provide even a small part of my children’s needs, and we hope to provide our children with everything they wish for in the coming years, God willing,” the mother of three wrote. “This means a lot to us, thank you so much.”
The Toy Fund uses the donations of newspaper readers to buy toys and books for kids up to 16 years old in York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Androscoggin and Knox counties.
The Portland Press Herald and Lewiston Sun Journal publish lists of the donations along with stories about the holiday gift drive from Thanksgiving through the month of December.
HOW TO HELP:
To make a donation online, 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 and Lewiston Sun Journal unless a donor wishes to remain anonymous.
TODAY’S DONATIONS:
- $1,052.39: In memory of my family members who loved making children happy at Christmas. God bless. — Anonymous
- $526.35: To help create Christmas magic. — Jay and Missy Hall
- $158.13: In memory of Jack. — Patricia Garvin
- $100.00: Anonymous
- $52.92: Anonymous
- $158.13: In honor of Henry, Finley, and Olivia Atwood. Love, Nanie & Grampie — Anonymous
- $200.00: Maine Podiatric Medical Association wishes everyone a Merry Christmas! — Maine Podiatric Medical Association
- $105.52: Merry Christmas to all! — John and Joan Voyer
- $105.52: In honor of our parents J. & Sistie Torrey and Andy & Dorothy Fisher — Anne and Alan Fisher
- $52.92: Anonymous
- $105.52: Webb Family
- $105.52: In loving memory of Kathy Kaulakis Nadeau — Caleb and Anne Mason
- $210.73: In memory of Dan, Betty, Bruce and John Jenkins — Anonymous
- $105.52: In memory of Barbara Williams — Anonymous
- $105.52: Grandpa Rock — Anonymous
- $52.92: Anonymous
- $105.52: Christmas joy to all — Rhonda and Ron Green
- $52.92: Anonymous
Year to date total: $47,168.67.