Donations to the Press Herald Toy Fund have exceeded $200,000 and continue to climb.

It is the third annual fundraising drive in a row to reach the milestone, helping to ensure the charity will continue to bring joy to Maine children in need.

How to help

Donations are accepted year round. To make a donation online, go to pressherald.com/toy-fund.

Checks made out to the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund may be mailed to 295 Gannett Drive, South Portland ME 04106.

The names of donors who don’t wish to remain anonymous will be printed throughout the holiday season in the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, the Lewiston Sun Journal and Brunswick Times Record.

The tradition began in 1949 when the Portland Evening Express first asked for donations to buy toys for children whose families were struggling and couldn’t afford holidays gifts.

And last month, the donations of generous readers were used to buys toys and books and distribute them to the families of thousands of Maine children experiencing hardship. Many of the notes from parents spoke of struggles with rising prices and rents. A number of families who sought help were homeless as the holidays approached, or worried they might be soon.

One mother wrote to the Toy Fund last month that the gifts provided by donors brought her family joy and hope at a time they were most needed. The Toy Fund will soon begin working to carry on the tradition a 74th year.

LATEST DONATIONS:

Unity Lodge #3 IOOF $500
In honor of our grandchildren $200
Coup Pappas Family $300
In memory of Dr & Mrs Roderick A MacDonald $35
Seth Brewster $75
Merry Christmas! From the workers of D&G Machine Products $2,000
LMB Giving Fund $200
Liza Moore & Arnie MacDonald $1,000
Snowy Owl Family Fund $200
Kristine & Timothy $1,000
In memory of Lois & Harry Carlin, from Bill Sullivan $20
The Ertman Family $100
PPH employee book sale $190
In memory of our parents, Sena & Warren Herbert, and Irene & Henry Ducharme $50
For the children & families, Peggy & Jim Folland $300
For my 6 grandchildren, from Beverly Hastings $40
In memory of Bob, Peggy, and Bud $200
Sam & Faith Beal $250
From Allie & Sophie $10
From Rodney & Danielle $50
Thomas & Mary Emerson $50

TOTAL TO DATE: $200,510