HOLYOKE — The city’s High Street Merchants have launched a Community Toy Drive to benefit area children.
Since Oct. 15, Deja Vu Nightspot, Old San Juan Bakery, Cuba Supermarket, and City Pizza, amongst other businesses, have been collecting toy donations for a special giveaway event called Christmas on High Street on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 414 High St.
The new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to families during the street party from 1-4 p.m., featuring a visit from Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, photos with Santa, music, snacks, hot chocolate and activities for children.
The initiative is aimed to bring joy to children throughout Holyoke during this holiday season and bring smiles to the faces of children who may otherwise go without gifts.
Holyoke High Street Merchants are proud to collaborate with The Law Offices of Dunn and Phillips and Springfield Together, Inc. to organize the initiative and ensure that the toys reach those who need them most and make a meaningful impact.
There are two ways to help with the initiative. The first way is by dropping off toy donations at Deja Vu Nightspot, Old San Juan Bakery, Cuba Supermarket or City Pizza. They have clearly marked donation bins where contributions can be dropped off.
As a thank you for your generosity, these merchants will be giving special offers to customers. These promotions will be announced accordingly.
City Hall also has a donation box outside Garcia’s office, and he said, “Folks can stop by and throw them right in there.”
Other drop-off locations can be found at christmasonhighstreet.com.
The toy drive is asking for unwrapped toys suitable for children of all ages. Popular items include Legos, dolls, action figures, educational games and art supplies.
In addition to toy donations, monetary contributions are also welcome. Funds raised will go toward purchasing additional toys and ensuring every child who attends this event receives a gift.
Another way to help is by volunteering as Santa or supporting staff for the street party. Those interested can email christmasonhighstreet@gmail.com.
Jazmin Acevedo, founder and co-chairperson of Christmas on High Street said she is looking forward to the event.
She said, “We are incredibly excited to host Christmas on High Street and give back to the families of Holyoke. As a local business owner, I believe it’s our responsibility to support the community that has supported us over the years. This toy drive is not just about collecting gifts; it’s about bringing hope, joy and a sense of togetherness to the children who need it most. We’re calling on our neighbors, friends and customers to join us in making this holiday season a little brighter for every child in our city.”
Garcia said the toy drive is currently going well but explained, “We need more toys. Overall, obviously this is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together during the holidays and do something that is going to bring joy to families, particularly those that are most in need.”
Garcia also is happy to see this toy drive and event being put together by so many generous people and said, “I feel very proud of seeing members of my community mobilize to this extent to make sure this holiday year brings the joy that it needs to those families.”
