Simple idea, and faithful donors, keep Toy Fund legacy alive
A humble beginning has become an annual tradition that has brightened the holidays for hundreds of thousands of Maine children over the past 7 decades
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A humble beginning has become an annual tradition that has brightened the holidays for hundreds of thousands of Maine children over the past 7 decades
The annual toy drive was started in 1949 by a newspaper editor and Portland social worker. Since then, 'there's never been a year that this didn't happen,' said operations manager Jeff Ham.
The 73-year-old charity, which has a new operations manager this year, continues to rely on the donations of newspaper readers to bring joy to children in need.
The Toy Fund was launched amid difficult economic conditions in 1949, and once again families are struggling this year and asking for help.
For the first time, the annual Press Herald Toy Fund will provide a new book for every child and is now ordering gifts through Maine-owned businesses.