She sat down to fill out a simple application for holiday help.

But the mother from southern Maine ended up writing a poignant open letter to all supporters of the Press Herald Toy Fund:

“As Christmas approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how much our family has grown, struggled, and overcome this past year,” she wrote. 

“My husband works tirelessly as a plumber, often leaving before the sun comes up and coming home long after it sets. His dedication is one of the strongest foundations in our lives. Together, we are raising our two beautiful daughters.

“The past two years have been challenging for us in ways I never expected. I was jobless during that time, and while I tried to stay positive, it was difficult not to feel like I was falling behind. I wanted so badly to do more, to help provide, and to ease some of the pressure that (my husband) carries on his shoulders. There were moments when it felt like we were drowning in bills, unexpected expenses, and the everyday costs that come with raising a family. 

“Through all of it, we leaned on each other and pushed forward. Recently, I started a new job, and that feeling of being able to work again — of contributing, of having a purpose outside the home — has been amazing. It’s given me hope that we’re turning a corner. 

“Still, even with the progress we’ve made, we’re catching up on so much. We’re doing everything we can, but like many families rebuilding after tough years, the holidays can be overwhelming. 

“We want this Christmas to be special for (our girls). They deserve the magic, the excitement, and the feeling of being celebrated and loved. Christmas morning is something every child should remember with smiles. We want them to have gifts that light up their faces, moments that make them giggle, and memories they’ll carry forever. 

“But this year, we find ourselves needing help to make that happen. Any support from the Christmas toy fund would mean the world to us. It would allow us to give our daughters the kind of Christmas we dream of — one filled with warmth, joy, and the simple happiness that every child should experience. 

“We are so grateful for programs that lend a hand to families who are trying their best. Thank you for reading our story and for bringing hope and kindness to families like ours during the holiday season. 

“Your generosity helps create moments that last a lifetime.”

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 donations to the Toy Fund, 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:

• $52.92: May all of us in our Maine community help create a kinder world for all. — Anonymous
• $50.00: Sent with love — Anonymous
• $210.73: Anonymous
• $1,578.43: Anonymous
• $42.40: Anonymous
• $17.15: Anonymous
• $42.40: Anonymous
• $105.52: Anonymous
• $105.52: Anonymous
• $52.92: Wishing a Merry Christmas! — John and Dianne Caterina
• $31.88: In memory of my Mom — Anonymous
• $210.73: Peter & Sandy Guild — William Guild
• $100.00: Megan Melch
• $105.52: Maryellen Kennedy and Barry Gleason
• $52.92: Tim Reardon & Mimi Gough
• $42.40: Anonymous
• $1,052.39: All children should have toys for Christmas! — Anonymous
• $52.92: Barbara Seaver
• $100.00: Rhonda and Gary Perlmutter
• $105.52: In memory of Elaine Chichester — Doug and Deb Baker
• $52.92: Merry Christmas! Love The Flaherty Family — Dylan, Kristina and Patrick Flaherty
• $52.92: In memory of John Walker — Anonymous
• $210.73: In memory of James Wallace Sr. and James Wallace Jr. — Madelyn Wallace
• $131.83: In memory of Frank & Jane Nanos, Aunty Cheryl, Uncle Paul and Bob “Nub” Barrows. Gone but not forgotten…we miss you. Love, Becky & Madison — Rebecca Barrows
• $100.00: In memory of Mark Storms — Patrick and Sharon Lee
• $200.00: In memory of Bill Farrington — Cheryl Farrington and Joseph Lorello
• $100.00: Kenneth Marks and Linda-Sue Reister
• $100.00: In memory of L. Philip Bernier — Susan Penna Bernier
• $500.00: Anonymous
• $100.00: Merry Christmas from Bob, Jann and Cooper Ferguson — Robert and Janet Ferguson
• $25.00: From Nancy and John — Natalie and David Murray
• $75.00: In memory of my son Jesse — Judy Eklund
• $100.00: In honor of Clara and Emma Coughlan — Brent and Rachel Olson
• $500.00: Anonymous
• $25.00: Robert Rossi
• $100.00: Julie Sleeper and Jacquelin Jones
• $100.00: Edward Gervais
• $100.00: Lynn Petcher
• $204.31: Well and Good Brewing Co.
• $25.00: Susan and Stephen Abramson
• $100.00: Brian Callahan
• $200.00: In honor of our son, Tim Fossett — John and Ann Fossett
• $520.00: Georgetown Working League
• $50.00: In honor of Clara — Brenda McKee
• $120.00: “The 4th C” in honor of Harry and Lois Carlin Jr. — Julie Colbert
• $50.00: In honor of Scarborough Bus 31 driver, Carl Ivers, from Liam and Amelia Odlin —Maria Odlin
• $150.00: Donation for kids — Anne and Bob Hall
• $50.00: Anne and Werner Scharnetzki
• $100.00: Merry Christmas! In memory of Gam and Bump — Susan Soule

Year to date total: $166,309.42.