Donations continue to arrive at the Press Herald Toy Fund, helping the charity cover the costs of higher-than-expected demand for help during the holidays.
Also landing in the mailbox in recent days are notes of thanks to the donors, volunteers and organizers who provided gifts to thousands of Maine children in need.
“Families were overwhelmed by the generosity, and these donations have made a lasting impact,” wrote Betsy Norcross Plourde, executive director of Promise Early Education Center in Lewiston. The organization worked with the Toy Fund to deliver toys and books to 12 families in Androscoggin County.
“Not only did it help families celebrate a most joyful holiday but also was a concrete demonstration of a community that truly cares,” she wrote.
Another note was signed by the staff of The Opportunity Alliance, which helped get the gifts to dozens of families in Cumberland County.
“Thank you for your work and time dedicated to ensuring our youth and families have a special holiday!” it said.
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. Organizers are already making plans for its 77th season.
Donations are accepted year-round and are published in the Portland Press Herald and Lewiston Sun Journal.
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:
- $100.00: Anonymous
- $100.00: Solidarity Law
- $100.00: Jane Henry
- $50.00: Sybil and Edward McCarthy
- $100.00: Katherine White
- $1,202.00: Eddie’s Variety
- $100.00: RSC Foundation Inc.
- $150.00: Christine Palmer and Arian Eigen Heald
- $75.00: In memory of M/M Laurence S. Allen Sr.and M/M Paul Perry — Beverly, Missy, Larry, Donna and Lonnie Allen
- $500.00: Renaissance Charitable Foundation
- $25.00: Anonymous
- $5,000.00: The Maureen and James W. Gorman Sr. Charitable Fund
- $250.00: Roger Berle and Lesley MacVane
- $50.00: In memory of my mother, Rose Taliento, who always gave — Janice and Donnie Bancroft
- $100.00: Reid Callanan
- $165.00: American Online Giving Foundation
- $50.00: Lesley Ewald
- $125.00: James and Nancy Russell (The Very Lucky R’s)
- $225.00: From December’s Brushstrokes with Impact “Paint-a-Thon” — Maria Castellano Usery
- $40.00: Thomas and Constance Smith
- $250.00: Richard and Jennifer Hubbell
- $350.00: Tracy Hastings
- $30.00: Dawn Leland
- $105.52: Happy Holidays from the Jamieson Family — Neil Jamieson
- $100.00: Lynn and John Johnston
- $431.00: York High School
- $28.99: Give Lively Foundation
2025–26 total to date: $228,756.93.