A woman from southern Maine is doing what it takes to keep her young daughter safe after escaping a violent relationship.
But she needs help.
“For her well-being, I made the hard decision to leave. Since then, we’ve had to move twice to keep ourselves safe and try to rebuild our lives, which has been emotionally and financially overwhelming,” the mother wrote. “Even though I’m working and doing my best to make ends meet, starting over has left us with very little, and I simply can’t afford extras right now — especially with the holidays approaching.
“I’m turning to the Toy Fund in hopes of bringing a little joy and normalcy to my daughter’s life this season. She deserves to feel the excitement of the holidays, even in the midst of all the challenges we’ve faced. I’m so grateful for programs like this that help families like mine when we need it most.”
Her letter is one of far too many stories of domestic violence that have arrived at the Press Herald Toy Fund this year. They are stories of brave parents and traumatized children in need of holiday light and joy as they heal and start new lives.
“I’m trying to make the best of a new chapter,” another mother wrote. “Asking for help is not my strong suit, however if I don’t, my children will unfortunately not have a Christmas this year.
“We’ve been talking about what the celebration of Christmas is truly about, and how our circumstances this year have made us simply being safe the best gift of all.
“But the look on their faces and the loss of twinkle in their eyes as they told me it was OK to not do Christmas, shattered me.
“My hope is for us to be donating to others in like circumstances to give back next year, because miracles only happen when we reach out to community in times of need.
“From our family to yours, we appreciate even the opportunity to apply. And wish nothing but the best for every family in need this holiday season. Thank you.”
“I left a domestic violence relationship last year and finally got into my own place again after being in a shelter for a long time,” another mother wrote. “My kids and I have come a long way and I just need this holiday season to be a light for them after all they have been through.”
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.
Anyone making an online donation to the Toy Fund through Dec. 19 will be entered to win four tickets to Portland Ovations’ “Recycle Percussion” show on Jan. 22 at Merrill Auditorium.
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:
- $50.00: Merry Christmas — Bernard J. & Penelope L. Davala
- $75.00: Oliver Andrews III & Patricia J. Andrews
- $100.00: Anonymous
- $100.00: In memory of Darlene & Larry Holston — Deborah A. & Allen L. Cairns
- $50.00: In memory of Susan, Sonny and Cam — Anonymous
- $200.00: In memory of Papa Joe and Grammy Beano from the family — Mary-Ann Proulx
- $50.00: Marcia E. Blake
- $50.00: Ann P. & Walter C. Allan
- $100.00: In memoriam, Esther Marshall, former volunteer — Esther Pappas
- $36.00: Sharaden A. Schneider
- $50.00: Laraine D. & Walter A. Lach
- $250.00: In honor of my mother — Anonymous
- $100.00: Mark E. Simonds
- $50.00: In loving memory of my mother, Martha. — Betsy G. Roberts
- $1,000.00: Toy Fund volunteers, in support for all the wonderful work you do. Thank you. — Peggy Waterman
- $100.00: Thomas S. & Mary M. Emerson
- $100.00: In memory of Dolly & Molly — Nancy E. Marston
- $50.00: John S. & Justina A. McGettigan
- $1,000.00: Southern Maine Labor Council
- $100.00: Richard & Alice Spencer
- $250.00: In memory of Lois Joyce — Ron & Tari Joyce
- $200.00: William & Gail Eaton
- $440.00: In memory of my aunt Frances T. Dooley, who was so kind and generous to her nephews. — John E. Dooley
Year to date total: $62,222.49.