The money is used to brighten the lives of thousands of Maine children who might otherwise not receive holiday gifts because of hardships faced by their parents.

Donations are accepted year-round and ensure that the fund will have the resources to buy gifts the next year.

Now 7, a young girl started the tradition as a kindergartner with help from her mother.

The charity has so far raised more than $110,000 this season, and donations are still needed.

They collect over $500 for the Portland Press Herald Toy Fund.

But thanks to the Toy Fund, their 6-year-old – and thousands of other children – will find gifts waiting to be unwrapped.

But the many gifts that arrive in memory of loved ones do not necessarily have to be in honor of toy fund supporters.