Many parents writing into the charity describe feelings of guilt and shame over asking for help to make their children smile.

The Press Herald Toy Fund received applications for nearly 5,000 children this year. Parents began to pick up gifts this week.

Letters to the charity describe Maine kids facing cancer, major surgeries and long trips for care. The Toy Fund aims to lighten the load for those children and their families.

The Toy Fund will ensure Maine children facing difficult circumstances are able to find some much-needed happiness at the holidays.