Indian Orchard Citizens Council President Zaida Govan, Office Manager Jaqueline Farrow and Zaza Green brand ambassadors Zori Alfonso and Christy Figuero hold some of the toys purchased for the organization’s community toy drive.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
SPRINGFIELD — The holidays are a time of joy but can also be stressful for families who are experiencing financial difficulties. Each year, the Indian Orchard Citizens Council hosts a toy drive to help families give their children some holiday magic.
“Our organization is always looking for ways to help the community,” said Zaida Govan, a city councilor and president of the Indian Orchard Citizens Council. The citizens council applies annually to receive toys from the Toys for Tots, a national toy collection and distribution program operated by the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. However, the organization also collects new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations from individuals and local businesses to help provide for community children.
This year, Christy Figuero, a brand ambassador for cannabis dispensary Zaza Green, reached out to Govan to see how the company could help. The company agreed to donate $500 worthy of toys to the drive. Figuero and fellow brand ambassador Zori Alfonso enjoyed the experience of shopping for the toys and to be donated to the Indian Orchard Citizens Council. Of her past experiences with toy drives, Figuero said, “I’ve only been on the receiving end, so to be on the giving end is really special.”
In the days before Christmas, the council hosted an event, allowing people to come pick out toys for their children. Govan said they come without their children. It provides the parents with the dignity of giving to their young ones, and it gives about 200 children the magic of opening unseen gifts, she explained.
Aside from Zaza Green, several other businesses and organizations contributed to the citizens council’s toy drive, including UniFirst Corporation, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Primos Auto Center and Burning Balance Candle Co., which is a first-time contributor.
Zaza Green has found other ways to give to the community. Figuero said the dispensary operates a food pantry at its 311 Page Blvd. Where people can avail themselves of non-perishable goods, regardless of whether they are a Zaza Green customer. She added that the business also offers senior meals every other week.
“Prices are going up. Milk is, like, $5 to $7 now.” Alfonso agreed, saying that she has seen her grocery costs go up by $200 recently. Figuero said, “We don’t want to have the children feel that” financial strain.
