When a campaign is still serving the people who need it most after more than a century, its value speaks for itself.
But the Toy for Joy campaign also speaks through you — the generous people, businesses and organizations of the Pioneer Valley who have always supported this Christmas campaign. And as Toy for Joy enters its 103rd year and launches its 2025 drive, the need for that wonderful support is greater than ever.
This year’s campaign, as always, will be sponsored by the Salvation Army through its Western Massachusetts locations in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield. It will be advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino.
The Hampden County Sheriff’s Office will once again lead a list of generous community partners and volunteers whose efforts help make it possible for Toy for Joy to answer the needs of its client families.
As it did last year, Reminder Publishing will be playing a key leadership role in this collaborative effort. This campaign will again deliver age-appropriate toys, games and books to deserving children throughout Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, who would otherwise be left out of the joy of receiving holiday gifts.
For a child, that joy does more than make this Christmas season special. It lifts their spirits and provides warm thoughts and memories for a lifetime. No child should be denied these memories because of difficult economic circumstances that are not of their doing, or their family’s situation.
This year’s deadline is Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Literally thousands of children and families benefit from one of the region’s most enduring charity traditions. Many donors in the modern day were once appreciative recipients themselves.
For local donors, giving is easier than ever. Contributions will be published at https://thereminder.com/toy-for-joy-donors. Every donation of any size will be recognized.
That’s because every donation counts. It goes directly to the campaign, and the children.
No donation is too big or too small.
For contributions, a coupon published with Toy for Joy stories may be used to submit a contribution by mail to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 971, Springfield, Mass. 01101. (NOTE: this is a new mailing address for Toy for Joy mail-in contributions.)
For online donations, donors can use the general link, https://tinyurl.com/ToyForJoy2025.
Families with children 16 or under are eligible to be recipients, but prior registration is required.
From the Springfield Citadel, registration will be accepted (online only) during the week of Nov. 10-14. The site address is SAAngeltree.org.
Once an application is submitted, the applicant will receive a confirmation email with a day and time for pickup. Because of time, space and demand, designated pickup times cannot be changed.
They must bring their email confirmation and photo ID for pickup. For information, please call 413-733-1518.
Pickup dates will be Dec. 9, 10, 11, 15 and 16.
Residents of Holyoke, Chicopee, Granby and South Hadley will be served by the Holyoke Salvation Army Citadel, also between Nov. 10-14, but with in-person registration.
For Franklin County residents, the Greenfield Citadel will hold in-person registration Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Each child will receive toys, games and books. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Applicants must register only once per household.
With the continued support of our local and regional community, Toy for Joy will again provide support for children and families in the Pioneer Valley in the truest Christmas tradition — one that represents joy, generosity and community spirit during this very special season.
