Community effort keeps toy drive going, more than 4,000 children served

On December 26, 2025 the Toy Fund closed a busy season that supplied toys and books for children up to 16 years old across six counties including Sagadahoc. Organizers said the program provided gifts for more than 4,000 Maine children this year, and donations kept arriving to help cover costs after the effort rose to the challenge for the 76th straight year.

A surge in requests and heavier-than-anticipated demand required extra volunteer labor. Thirty five volunteers stepped in to fill additional shifts at the once bustling workshop, which has gone quiet now that the packing and distribution have ended. Among those who gave time were Carl Akin, Mary Beth Carion, Diane Goodrich, Mary Cavallaro, Roxie Johnston, Brent Johnston, Joan Voyer, John Voyer, Deb Abbodanza, Mary Peters, Barbi Diaz, Linda Paul, Kathy Camire, Sheila Moran, Gail Kinney, Craig Kinney, Julie Pew, Theresa Labrecque, Gretchen Stanton, Janet Edmunson, Chris Bachmeyer, Joe Carlin, Priscilla O’Neil, Patrice O’Neil, Donald Bancroft, Janice Bancroft, Susan Taylor, Marjorie Oxman, Jon Oxman, Lynn Petcher, Janet Leaver, Carol Semple, Karen Beaudoin, Katherine Lee, Mike Hollyday and Sam Beal.

The fundraising response also carried weight. One donor who enclosed a check described personal hardship while directing limited funds to children in need, writing, "Through my own trials and losses this year, it has been more noticeable to me the suffering going on around us. I can’t afford this $50, but most of us can’t at the moment. The children need it more. I had wonderful Christmases. They should have them, too." That note illustrates a broader economic reality. With household budgets under strain from persistent price pressures this year, small contributions pooled to cover program expenses and fulfill a surge in local demand.

For Sagadahoc County the Toy Fund's work is a tangible example of community risk sharing. Volunteer labor reduced operating costs, while donations offset procurement expenses for toys and books. The campaign also highlights gaps in public support during seasonal demand spikes for families with limited resources. A full list of donations and volunteer names accompanies the campaign records and is available through the outlet's website. Organizers say donations continue to arrive as they complete final accounting and prepare for next year.