The need has never been greater.
For many families in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, the ability to allow their children to enjoy the happiness of the Christmas season — and the basic joy of being children — relies on the generosity of their neighbors, community businesses and individuals.
For the 102nd year, the Toy for Joy Christmas drive will allow children 16 and under to experience the joy of a Christmas gift that so many families have grown up taking for granted, but which otherwise would not be available or affordable for them.
“We can only gauge the level of need by the activity at our pantry, and the increase has been substantial,” said Danielle LaTaille, social services director for the Salvation Army, the drive sponsor whose citadels in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield are again spearheading the annual campaign.
The pantry numbers are startling, sobering and revealing. Between October 2022 and September 2023, The Emergency Food Pantry and Mobile Feeding Initiative served 7,522 people 67,698 meals.
Between October 2023 and September 2024, the pantry, in partnership with Fallon Health, served 11,546 people 103,914 meals.
“These figures reflect a 53.5% increase in the number of people served and meals provided. Our original goal was to provide an additional 5,000 meals. However, we exceeded that goal by providing an additional 36,216 meals between fiscal year 2023 and fiscal 2024,” LaTaille said.
In the past, pantry demand and activity has provided a reliable barometer of overall need, including Toy for Joy. The 2024 drive kicked off Thursday, Nov. 7, and to say a busy season of demand is expected would be an understatement.
That puts the holiday season generosity of Western Massachusetts individual, group and corporate donors front and center. They’ve always been there, and the campaign’s success depends upon it once more.
“We’ve already been fielding questions and requests,” LaTaille said. “If the pantry is an indication, the need will again be great.”
With the Salvation Army as sponsor, the campaign that ends on Christmas Eve will be advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino.
The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and other community partners and volunteers will again pitch in for a program where donations go directly to their desired recipients — the children of families in need.
A coupon published with Toy for Joy stories may be used to submit a contribution by mail to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103.
Donors can also make online contributions at give.salvationarmy.org/give/212002/#!/donation/checkout.
Families with children 16 or under are eligible to be recipients, but prior registration is required.
Registration will be accepted beginning Monday, Nov. 11. The registration link is salvationarmyma.org/toyforjoy.
Each child will receive toys, games and books. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Applicants must register only once per household. They will receive an email confirmation with their toy distribution date and time.
They must bring their email confirmation and photo ID for pickup. Their pickup time will be listed under “Order Summary.”
Age-appropriate and quality toys and books, purchased by the Salvation Army, will be distributed in mid-December. This year’s goal is $150,000 with a deadline of Dec. 24.
Distribution dates will be announced soon.
Contributions will be published in The Republican and The Reminders, as well as online at Masslive.com, to recognize the generosity of donors and to encourage others to participate in a special tradition that has spanned more than a century.
No donation is too big or too small. Many donors give in honor or recognition of family members who have passed on or whom they wish to honor and recognize in a meaningful way.
For more information, please call 413-733-1518.
