Paul Roberge knows there’s a need.
As it has for more years than it can remember, La Cucina di Hampden House is again stepping up for the children of the Greater Springfield area and the Pioneer Valley.
The popular and enduring restaurant in Hampden will hold its annual Toy for Joy Night on Monday, Dec. 8.
“It will be from 3-8 p.m. Guests can get 50% off of an entree for bringing in an unwrapped toy,” said Roberge, the executive chef at the restaurant, which is located at 1 Allen St. in Hampden.
La Cucina di Hampden House has been doing this for more than 30 years — so long, in fact, that it can’t pinpoint the exact date it began supporting Toy for Joy. In these many decades, children who would otherwise have been left out of the joy of receiving Christmas gifts can be part of the holiday season and feel the generosity of others.
The unwrapped toys allow deserving children to receive age-appropriate gifts. These contributions are included with the toys, games and books already purchased or collected by the Salvation Army, which sponsors a campaign now in its 103rd year.
Roberge’s enthusiasm is shared by the entire staff. They look forward to this annual event, during which the restaurant blends what it does best — offering top-notch service and delicious food in a wide variety — to a drive that brings Christmas joy to thousands of children.
It’s a unique and distinct contribution to the iconic Toy for Joy campaign, which is also receiving mail-in and online contributions.
Mail-in gifts go to a new address this year, as shown on the coupon that accompanies this story. Donations are to be sent to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 971, Springfield, Mass. 01101.
For online donations, donors can use the general link tinyurl.com/ToyForJoy2025.
Through these sources, generous gifts are coming in, but more are needed as the campaign pursues its $125,000 goal. No donation is too big or too small; they all help.
Many donations are anonymous, or in memory of loved ones, such as a $500 gift in honor of grandparents Maurice W. Dickey and Marion Melius Dickey.
There was a $300 donation from the Donoghue family. A $250 contribution honored children and celebrated life’s gifts.
Another, for $200, remembered Lester and Carolyn Fontaine. A $200 gift was received in memory of Ruth Weston and Olive Dickey Weston.
And one shouldn’t forget $200 for “remembering 64 wonderful Christmases with my special guy.”
Toy for Joy serves deserving children 16 and under in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, through Salvation Army citadels in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield.
This year’s campaign is again 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.
Some recent donations
- Eversource — $3,000
- Here’s to a happy and healthy year to everyone — $4,525
- In memory of Laura Chimelis, who loved all children — $1,500
- In memory of Amy Fitzgerald, whose teaching blessed St. Joan of Arc School — $500
- Merry Christmas on behalf of our grandson, Theo. — $50
Received this week: $13,976
Total to date: $21,421
Still needed: $103,579
For a full list of donors, visit thereminder.com/toy-for- joy-donors.
