The Toy Fund raised just over $190,000 in donations from readers and was able to make sure no one was turned away, despite a more than 40% increase in the number of applications for help from last year.

Brunswick-based artist Maria Castellano-Usery says her colorful paintings are intended to be “a conduit for joy and light.” And for the ninth straight year, she has brought both of those things to Maine children by using her art to benefit the Press Herald Toy Fund. Brushstrokes with Impact is what Castellano-Usery calls it. Once every […]

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.