Parents turn to toy fund in a stormy year
Parents grow desperate as the pandemic makes all life s other difficulties that much worse.
By Staff Report
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The letters that arrive to the Press Herald Toy Fund can be heartbreaking. And, while most parents ask that their personal stories not be shared, the letters taken together are a reflection of the times.
During down economic cycles, the common theme is job loss. In overheated real estate markets, it’s evictions and homelessness. Last year, for unknown reasons, there was a noticeable increase in letters from families escaping domestic violence.
This year, of course, it’s COVID-19, which seems to have made all of the other problems significantly worse.
Young family is filled with hope, but needs a hand
The parents seek help as they pursue careers and try to keep abreast of the bills during the pandemic.
By Staff Report
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A young family in southern Maine is filled with hope for a bright future and financial security. But it needs a little help in the meantime.
The father wrote a note to the Press Herald Toy Fund seeking help for the holidays.
“We are a two-parent household with two children,” he wrote. “We are both working toward career goals and operating on one income that has fluctuated, being an electrical helper working towards becoming licensed.”
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.
A favorite toy fund tradition continues for 71st year
By Staff Report
There’s something comforting and reassuring about watching the same holiday movies every year.
You already know the stories, and even much of the dialogue, but they till make you laugh or choke back tears in all the same places.
That’s a little like the notes that faithful donors send each year to the Press Herald Toy Fund. The holiday season wouldn’t be the same without them.
And one of our favorite donation traditions is the gift from JOCIJIANNA, whose $500 check arrived recently with a note that simply said “for 71 consecutive years!”
Father rebuilding his life seeks help for his children
Staff Report
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A single father working to rebuild his life and make a new home for his family is asking for help for his three children.
He is in recovery from an opioid addiction and, in a note to the Press Herald Toy Fund, wrote that his kids have been through a lot and deserve a little joy this Christmas.
“I have been in a recovery program … since January of 2019. We have lost a lot due to my substance use over the years, and my three children have suffered from my decisions. Last year, in fact, they didn’t receive any gifts from me for Christmas,” he wrote.