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Toy fund overcomes pandemic challenges to deliver joy to children
Curbside toy pickups are among the changes made necessary by challenging times.
By Staff Report
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Nonprofits have had to make lots of adjustments during the pandemic, finding new ways to operate safely and struggling to serve their communities at a time of historic needs and limited resources.
The Press Herald Toy Fund is no different.
An early start to the fundraising campaign, expanded coverage of the effort by the Sun Journal in Lewiston and The Times Record in Brunswick, and the generous spirit of readers who want to contribute in a difficult time are helping the toy fund meet the increased need as families struggle through the economic fallout from the pandemic.
Donation from Barron Center employees is enduring tribute to toy fund founder
Matthew Barron wanted to provide toys to Portland children during a tough winter in 1949.
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Few donors to the Press Herald Toy Fund have been as faithful as the employees of the Barron Center, Portland’s city-run nursing home.
Their gift – $215 this year – also has special meaning at the toy fund because it’s an annual reminder of the legacy of Matthew Barron, who not only cared for the Portland’s elderly residents as head of the institution but also made a lasting difference in the lives of the children across the city, and beyond.