As Christmas Eve came and went, hundreds of families and thousands of children prepared to enjoy Christmas because the generosity of the local community made it possible.
The 2025 Toy for Joy drive officially ended with its traditional Dec. 24 deadline. However, contributions sent in just before the deadline and received after Christmas Eve will be applied to the campaign that brings the thrill of Christmas gifts to deserving children in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
The contributions of thoughtful individuals, families, groups and organizations were godsends for those children. These donations went directly to making those children happy.
Those who gave should feel proud of their contribution. The deep gratitude from those who spearheaded the drive — and the families who benefited — cannot be measured.
This drive, sponsored by the Salvation Army and wrapping up its 103rd year, brings toys, games and books to children whose circumstances would otherwise leave them left out of the holiday happiness enjoyed by others.
Salvation Army Captain Stacy McNeil was in her first year at the Springfield Citadel. McNeil plans to be here for years to come.
She says she was deeply moved by the generosity of the local community, and is already formulating strategies to make next year’s 2026 drive a bountiful success.
In the final days of the campaign, a particularly poignant donation once again came from the law firm of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy. The Springfield firm’s generous $2,148 gift maintains its tradition of donating in memory of cherished colleague Robin Morris, who passed away well over 20 years ago.
Morris has never been forgotten. The law firm has donated well over $50,000 to Toy for Joy over the years, and their hearts remain as open as ever, with this year’s gift more than doubling last year’s contribution.
As has always been true, many of this year’s donations — including some of the largest by individuals or families — were sent anonymously and/or in memory of loved ones. In some cases, families scaled down their own personal gift giving, or chose not to do so at all, to support the children in need.
Toy for Joy was advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. Donations received in late December, as well as the final total for the 2025 campaign, will be published in The Republican in early January and at thereminder.com.
The Salvation Army, volunteer workers and Toy for Joy media outlets join in wishing everyone health and happiness during this Christmas and holiday season. They look forward to the 104th campaign next year — continuing one of New England’s most enduring and proven traditions of holiday spirit and community generosity.
Some recent donations
- Lia Toyota of Northampton — $2,500
- Anonymous — $2,500
- In memory of our friend and colleague, Robin Morris, and all members of the DWPM family we carry in our hearts from Doherty, Wallace, Pillbury and Murphy, P.C. — $2,148
- In memory of Kathleen “Mimi” O’Briend who loved Christmas and babies. From her adoring grandbabies McKenna, Casey, Grace, Hannah, Maggie, Kerry & Cillian — $1,000
- In lieu of gifts to family & friends — Merry Christmas —$1,000
Received this week: $15,575
Total to date: $77,646
Still needed: $47,354
For a full list of donors, visit thereminder.com/toy-for- joy-donors.
