CAMDEN — In three short hours, shoppers streaming in and out of Reny's in Camden on Saturday morning opened their hearts and spontaneously gave to a pop-up fundraiser organized by North East Mobile Health Services and the Camden Fire Department. It was "Fill the Ambulance" with toys and other gifts for children under Maine Dept. of Health and Human Services care.

The Grinch and Buddy the Elf were on hand to accept the gifts, which were tucked into the back of the ambulance, piling quickly into hills of Monster Jams, Legos, horses with long manes to brush, little babies and stuffed animals, many sleds, and blankets and clothes and gloves.

The Fill the Ambulance was part of the annual NEMHS campaign to solicit presents for Maine's foster children. By the end of the 9 a.m. to noon toy drive, the ambulance parked at Reny's in Camden was stuffed full of gifts, ready for delivery to the DHHS office for distribution to foster children across the state.