The fund provided toys and books to nearly 4,000 Maine children this year.

Donors this year include both new supporters and familiar friends of the fund.

Economic pressures led to a surge of requests for help this year. The Toy Fund placed additional orders and did some last-minute shopping to make sure no child was passed over.

Many of those children are among the more than 4,000 who will receive holidays gifts in the coming days because of the donors and volunteers who support the Press Herald Toy Fund.

Even after 75 years of practice, getting presents to thousands of children still requires a bit of luck, and sometimes an unexpected trip to the mall.

Parents who escaped abusive homes say they have no money to buy holiday gifts at a time when peace, stability and a new toy or book could be a lifeline for a child in distress.

Recent retirees have jumped at the chance to pitch in with the Toy Fund to make sure local children have a happy holiday season.

A surge in demand has organizers and volunteers going all out to make sure no child is left out.

Rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing options are helping to fuel the surge of Toy Fund applications. Many of the families seeking help this year are homeless or have been on the verge of homelessness.

Families seeking help often have many needs and also are getting support just with housing and food. Assistance programs like food stamps or General Assistance help with those needs, but they don’t buy toys and books for children experiencing hard times.