U.S. Rep. Richard Neal made his annual donation to the Salvation Army’s Toy for Joy campaign on Wednesday, Nov. 26. The Springfield Democrat contributed $2,000 to the annual drive to provide toys and books to children 16 and under in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, through citadels in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield. Pictured, left to right, are George Arwady, publisher for The Republican; Capt. Stacy McNeil, Springfield citadel co-commander; Neal, Reminder Publishing Executive Editor Chris Maza; and Danielle LaTaille, social services director for the Salvation Army.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnett
For U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, the holiday season is a time to recognize that charity begins at home.
And even after nearly 37 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Neal considers his district, his Springfield hometown and Western Massachusetts his home.
“Many people need help,” Neal said upon giving his annual $2,000 donation to the Toy for Joy Christmas campaign. “There are people down the economic ladder, a lot of people, still in need.”
Throughout a history now in its 103rd year, Toy for Joy is important not only for what it is, but what it’s not. It is nonpartisan, nonpolitical, non-denominational and non-discriminatory.
Neal’s annual contribution reflects the spirit of giving that causes countless others in the region to also support the children of Toy for Joy, year after year.
In a time punctuated by hot political debate, the campaign represents something precious: one that keeps a place for everybody, and allows those of all cultural and political stripes to show their holiday spirit with real impact.
“It’s a long and wonderful tradition by the (sponsoring) Salvation Army and the Springfield newspapers,” Neal said. “And a lot of people today remain in need of assistance.”
This year’s campaign is again sponsored by the Salvation Army through its Western Massachusetts locations. It is being advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. The Reminder has expanded to a leadership role in the past two campaigns.
As a youth, Neal recalled peddling newspapers for $3 a week. He didn’t deliver the Sunday paper, but he did lug around the second largest edition.
“The Thursday paper had all the ads. Thursdays were murder,” he said with a smile.
For Toy for Joy mail-in contributions, this year, there is a new mailing address, as shown on the coupon that accompanies this story. Donations are to be sent to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 971, Springfield, MA, 01101.
For online donations, donors can use the general link tinyurl.com/ToyForJoy2025.
Toy for Joy needs a big December to reach its $125,000 campaign goal. Sullivan, Keating & Moran Insurance Agency of Springfield showed their usual holiday generosity with a $400 gift.
A gift of $200 came from the CT Special Olympics Snowmakers, and another from “George and Karen,” in memory of Ida Shea and Rita Maruca.
Other contributions, all vital to the cause, came from individuals, groups or anonymously and often in memory of family, friends and other loved ones.
The drive will again deliver age-appropriate toys, games and books to hundreds and even thousands of deserving children throughout Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Pickup dates have arrived and will continue on Dec. 11, 15 and 16. Registered recipients must bring their email confirmation and photo ID for pickup. For information, please call 413-733-1518.
Some recent donations
- Richard E Neal for Congress Committee — $2,000
- In honor of Major Vicky Berry — $1,560
- Sullivan Keating & Moran Insurance Agency of Springfield Inc. — $400
- Merry Christmas from CT Special Olympics Snowmakers — $200
- As my mother did, I would like to help a child at Christmas time — $8
Received this week: $11,229
Total to date: $32,660
Still needed: $92,340
For a full list of donors, visit thereminder.com/toy-for- joy-donors.
