A grandmother in southern Maine is asking readers of the Portland Press Herald to brighten Christmas for a 15-year-old who has been through far more than his share of heartache.

The woman’s note to the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund explains that her son – the boy’s father – sustained a brain injury in a car accident. Her son now lives with her, and is unable to work or care for his son. She has been raising the boy for more than a year.

“My income is not enough to give him anything for Christmas. His mother died before he was 2 years old. And his other grandmother just died (in November). This boy has been through so much. Please help. His father can’t and I’m behind on my house payments trying to take care of (him).

“He is a great kid. Please consider helping just for him. … Thank you.”

The Portland Press Herald Toy Fund is using donations from readers to provide toys to this boy and thousands of other Maine children who might otherwise not receive holiday gifts because of hardships faced by their parents. The fund – now in its 66th year – helps needy families in Cumberland, York, Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Knox counties.

Donations to help buy the toys can be made on the website or by writing checks to the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund and mailing them to the fund at P.O. Box 7310, Portland, ME 04112.

The campaign’s fundraising goal this year is $250,000. The total raised so far is $100,568.30.

DONATIONS

In memory of Lelia and Ernie Farnsworth and Mildred and “Pete” Ballard from the kids and grandkids… $25

In memory of John MacKenzie… $20

Dirk Vandenheuvel… $50

From Manus L. Doten on His Birthday! Merry Christmas… $50

Merry Christmas from Russ Lunt… $25

From Sunnybrook residents…$50

In memory of James Wallace Jr. from Phil and Betty Brown…$25

In memory of Estelle Mackey and Eleanor Clemens… $100

In loving memory of my husband, Earle L. Ingalls… $100

In memory of Mr. Johnny Bull Frog… $20

Cape Elizabeth Fire Dept. Hose Company #2… $200

Blessed and fortunate – Bob’s Welding Service – Bob, Terry, Jess, Tim, Abby, Sam, Rob, Trish, Carly, Chris, Jen… $150

In memory of Helen and Alice Robinson… $50

Benjamin Soule… $25

In memory of Albert Nelson…$25

Robyn Lyon… $20

PLH and JAH… $100

Susan Cilley… $40

Eileen Garroway… $50

In memory of Warren and Sena Herbert and Henry and Irene Ducharme… $25

Anonymous… $25

In memory of Dewaine Jones… $50

Ron Houle… $50

Dorothy Bruce… $50

Riverside Women’s Golf Association… $681

Bruce and Lorraine Hirdler…$150

Immucell Corporation… $100

In loving memory of our parents from Kurt and Deborah Marston… $100

Dana Williams… $100

In loving memory of Macky and Kristi… $20

Robert Rossi… $25

Best wishes from the Walker family… $150

For my sister Debbie and husband Gary for their support of charities – Pam Lamy… $100

The Perkins Girls… $25

In loving memory of John and Alice Flaherty… $25

In loving memory of Helen Flaherty from Alicia… $25

Michael Boissonneault… $100

Debra Walker… $150

Suzanne McCormack… $100

Today’s total: $3,176

Total year to date: $100,568.30