PrintThe Bruce Roberts Toy Fund is having a rough year.
First, a faulty furnace forced it out of its longtime headquarters at 385 Congress St. A new home wasn't found until just a few weeks before the season kickoff.
Now, donations to the fund, one of the largest holiday fundraisers in the state, have dropped off drastically.
At this point last year, donors had given $38,000 to Bruce Roberts. To date this year, just over $18,000 has been donated.
''Meanwhile, the need is greater than ever,'' said Kathleen Meade, the toy fund's project director.
The toy fund has helped children as old as 18 in Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and York counties. Last year, the fund raised more than $200,000 and distributed 32,000 age-appropriate gifts to 8,000 children.
Meade said that although some donors have been generous this year, overall donations are lagging as the recession drags on. Last year, the fund managed to raise more than the year before, despite the recession and skyrocketing fuel costs.
With less than three weeks to go before this holiday season peaks, the toy fund needs a boost, Meade said.
Other holiday fundraisers are reporting mixed results this year.
Donations to the Salvation Army of Northern New England's Annual Kettle Campaign in Greater Portland are slightly ahead of last year, said Capt. Terry Schaffer.
The Salvation Army is more than halfway to its $110,000 goal. The campaign provides holiday cheer to about 1,700 children and their families.
Schaffer said the weather plays a big factor in the success of the campaign.
Last year's ice storm in December took its toll, but the weather this year - with the exception of a few rainstorms - has been cooperative, Schaffer said.
Donations are down for Freeport Community Services' Holiday Help Line, which matches donors with about 110 needy families in Freeport and Pownal during the holidays.
The agency limited gift requests to three per child and one per adult, compared with five per child and three per adult last year. Even so, the help line still needs help for 20 families.
''We are looking for donors,'' said Sue Mack, the help line coordinator.
The Toys for Tots fundraiser, operated by the U.S. Marines in Topsham, appears to be on target, said Staff Sgt. Joseph Justice.
''So far, we are doing really well,'' Justice said.
Toys for Tots distributed 9,000 toys this week from donations made at drop-off boxes in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Lincoln, Oxford and Sagadahoc counties. It will distribute more toys next week.
The good news for the Bruce Roberts fund is that the volunteers who help process and distribute the gifts are as strong as ever, Meade said.
She said the more than 100 people who are helping this year are enjoying their warm new quarters at the Masons' Grand Lodge, 8 Chestnut St.
The application period for help through Bruce Robert closes today, but the donation period remains very much open, Meade said.
A new list of donors is published daily in the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. The list usually appears well into January as donations continue to come in.
Staff Writer Beth Quimby can be contacted at 791-6363 or at:
bquimby@pressherald.com
The following donations were received recently by the Bruce Roberts Toy Fund:
Previously acknowledged: $16,088
In loving memory of Harold L. Lewis and Mr. and Mrs. Percy Bickford $40
Anonymous $100
Edward and Catherine Peterson $100
In lieu of Christmas cards, from Robert and Ann Carson $100
John and Elaine Godsoe $100
In loving memory of Dick Halpin, Rosemary Halpin and Evelyn O'Connor. Merry Christmas $200
In loving memory of Joseph Konon. We miss you - Tommy, Maureen, Anthony and Nathan. $25
''C'' $10
M. and R.J. LoBuglio $50
Georgina M. Irving $50
The Tuesday Group, First Lutheran Church, Portland $50
In loving memory of Danny Panno, who loved Christmas - Gram Kay $10
For my grandchildren Macey, Griffin, Melanie, Erica, Nick and Kayleigh, from Beverly Hastings $25
Richard and Ann Barrows $20
Esther and H. James Marshall Jr. $25
Patricia and James Earley $25
Merry Christmas to Mrs. Poulin, Mrs. French and Ms. Coates, from Julia, Rachael and Noelle $50
Kelley and James Cook $150
In lieu of gifts for Grandmother, Dick and Jean, Sue and Paul, Kym, Kramer and Mary, Kel and Elena, from Dick and Evie Tonneson $500
Patrick V.J. McLaughlin $100
In memory of Edith P. Murchie, from Donald J. Murchie $100
Merry Christmas to all! from Rich and Charlotte Coggins $100
From POP $30
In honor of our first grandchild, Piper Libby Floyd, from Grammie and Grampa Floyd $50
For Lee and Mara, in memory of Joshua $30
Phil and Diane Tinkham $100
Today's total: $2,140
Total to date: $18,228
