The Toy for Joy Christmas campaign for children is 103 years old, but it’s new to Salvation Army Captain Stacy McNeil, who is inspired by the generosity it represents.
“Seeing so many repeat donors, anonymous donors and others, seeing the mail-in and online contributions, and seeing how long it’s gone on — this has been an eye-opener for me,” McNeil said.
McNeil is in her first year with the local Salvation Army. The organization’s Springfield citadel, and its locations in Holyoke and Greenfield, annually distribute gifts to thousands of children in need from Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
The Salvation Army’s work as campaign sponsor creates an inspiring message. But McNeil knows that none of it would happen without its most essential ingredient: generous donations in the holiday spirit from local and regional individuals, organizations and businesses.
The calendar says that time for the 2025 drive is beginning to run short. To reach its $125,000 goal by the campaign deadline of Christmas Eve, more donations of any size are needed.
The donor list, printed along with the coupon done mail-in donors with these Toy for Joy stories, speaks to how local people of all walks continue to respond to the needs of children of families less fortunate — as they have for more than a century.
“It’s so crucial to help people in need. That’s what Toy for Joy is doing,” said McNeil, who served in Ithaca, New York, before coming to Springfield, and plans to establish roots here for several years to come.
As always, the staff at Harry Grodsky & Co., a Springfield-based leader in control systems that include heating, cooling and electrical systems, came through with a wonderful $2,000. Countless children will benefit as a result.
Grodsky & Company has been servicing people and businesses since 1918 — a bit longer, in fact, than even the 103-year-old Toy for Joy campaign. Its list of charitable donations, including this one, continues to help many worthy causes and needs.
Time is of the essence. 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, Mass. 01101.
For online donations, donors can use the general link tinyurl.com/ToyForJoy2025.
Distribution of Toy for Joy gifts began on Dec. 9, with volunteers and staff members bundled up to deliver toys, books and games in the crisp December air. Many volunteer agencies, among them Smithfield Foods of Springfield, are again pitching in during distribution, which is spread over several days.
This year’s campaign is again sponsored by the Salvation Army. It is being advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino.
Some recent donations
- Harry Grodsky & Co. Inc. Office Staff, $2,000
- In loving memory of Joseph Bilodeau from Mom, Dad and Mike, $550
- Merry Christmas from G&G, $350
- Merry Christmas! Love Reis, Will, Hunter, Henry and Charlie, $250
- Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas — From Santa Claus — North Pole, $20
Received this week: $10,163
Total to date: $42,823
Still needed: $82,177
For a full list of donors, visit thereminder.com/toy-for- joy-donors.
