Salvation Army Majors Don and Paula Spencer accept a donation to the Toy for Joy drive from Congressman Richard Neal (left). Payton North, executive editor of Reminder Publishing, is on the right. Photo credit: Don Treeger
As the weather turned nippier and Christmas began coming into view, the Toy for Joy campaign gained two important contributions — but still needs more.
The Dec. 2 Springfield Christmas tree lighting came with a $1,000 Toy for Joy contribution from the Hampden County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association. It is one of several cash donations through the sheriff’s office, which also provided volunteers on Dec. 3 to assist with toy delivery at the Springfield Salvation Army’s Pearl Street location.
The following day, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield) personally delivered his $2,000 donation to Salvation Army Major Donald G. Spencer and his wife, Major Paula Spencer, at Union Station.
These boosts came with encouragement that other local individuals, businesses and organizations to support the drive, which is in its 102nd year and distributes toys through the sponsoring Salvation Army’s Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield locations.
Children from Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, who might otherwise be left out by circumstances beyond their control, enjoy the thrill of Christmas through the generosity of residents, businesses and organizations that donate.
Upon relocating to Greater Springfield in recent years, the Spencers have embraced the campaign sponsored by their organization.
“Toy for Joy will benefit between 3,500 and 4,000 children this year, and more than 1,600 families from the Springfield location alone,” Paula Spencer said.
Neal praised the continuity and long tradition of a campaign that has seen many former recipients translate their own fond memories into becoming donors themselves.
“Institutions become important. They are meaningful because their reputations have been built on consistency,” he said.
“Toy for Joy has continued through world wars, international conflicts and difficult economic times,” Neal continued. “Through it all, they stayed with it. For many children, this IS Christmas.”
“[The Salvation Army] traces its role back to the 1950s, but the campaign itself goes back more than a century — and it still matters,” Donald Spencer said. “We want to make Christmas special for as many children as we can.”
The tree lighting at the intersection of Trafton Road and Texel Drive is unique in many respects. It comes not in front of a political building or commercial center, but in the heart of one of the city’s neighborhoods, not far from Forest Park.
Civic organizers Pasquale Izzo and Anthony Daniele were on hand to help ensure the event went smoothly.
“Toy for Joy is a great tradition, as is this lighting ceremony,” Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said on the crisp winter night.
“The Park Edge Christmas Tree lighting has become one of my favorite holiday events,” Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi said. “Once the music starts and Santa arrives with the help of the Springfield Fire Department, it feels like a scene from a Hallmark movie. In that spirit, we are honored to contribute to the Toy for Joy campaign, which provides for hundreds of families each Christmas.”
“Nothing is more precious than a children’s smile at Christmas. Our mission is making it possible for children from hundreds of families to wake up and celebrate the joy of the season in whatever holiday they celebrate,” Cocchi said.
Toy for Joy is promoted and advertised by The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino.
The campaign is also supported by volunteers from individuals and groups, among them Eversource and the sheriff’s office.
The campaign goal is $150,000. The 2024 drive continues until Dec. 24, and all donations will be published in The Republican, The Reminders and online by MassLive.com.
A coupon published with Toy for Joy stories may be used to submit a contribution by mail to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103.
Donors can also make online contributions at https://give.salvationarmy.org/give/212002/#!/donation/checkout.
Registration is closed. Information about pickup can be found at the registration link, which is https://www.salvationarmyma.org/toyforjoy.
Distribution will be at the Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield locations of the Salvation Army. Details for pickup vary based on location, and those details for each site are available on the link.
Distribution days are at the Springfield Citadel at 170 Pearl St. during the Dec. 11-18 week. In Holyoke and Greenfield, distribution dates and times were assigned upon registration, which is required.
Each child will receive age-appropriate toys, games and books. Applicants will receive an email confirmation with their toy distribution date and time.
They must bring their email confirmation and photo ID for pickup. Their pickup time will be listed under “Order Summary.”
More information can be obtained by calling 413-733-1518.
Donations received week of Dec. 5:
- From the Steven and Georgianne Roberts Donor Advised Fund — $3523
- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the French family — $150
- In memory of Dottie Pelter and Charlotte Granger, love Mom — $4100
- In memory of family from Mary Ellen — $40
- In memory of Frank and Rosalie Pouliot from Bob and Pat — $100
- In memory of Tom and Agnes Kelly from Bob and Pat — $100
- In memory of Donnie, Dave and the Cowboy from Bob and Pat — $100
- Anonymous — $25
- Anonymous — $200
- In memory of Rachel, a cat who loved Christmas — $2
- In memory of Harry and Claire Broderick — $10
- In memory of Marie L Brunelle and Thomas J Murphy — $5
- In memory of Jack — $3
- In memory of Maggie our beautiful girl — $3
- In memory of Flynner, love the Montagna family — $5
- Merry Christmas Mason James Ward, love Grammy and Papa — $5
- Merry Christmas Nora Grace Hazelwood, love Grammy and Papa — $5
- Merry Christmas Scarlett Claire Hazelwood, love Grammy and Papa — $5
- In memory of my husband Kenneth Fellows — $100
- Anonymous — $18
- In memory of our parents from Miriam and Charles — $20
- Merry Christmas from CT. Special Olympics Snow Makers — $200
- In loving memory of Nona Marie Martin by family — $50
- In loving memory of Timothy Martin by his family — $50
- In loving memory of Joseph Bilodeau from Mom, Dad and Mike —$50
- Blessings to all in this season — $10
- Happy Holidays for the AnFang family — $36
- In memory of Joseph L. Mardeusz — $50
- In memory of John Salerno and Lynn Shipman, love Mom and Dad Salerno — $100
- In loving memory of Mary Rae MacFarland from Jo and Keith — $100
- Anonymous — $50
- With loving memories of Joseph Pelletti, love your family — $100
- In memory of Mark Provost from Debbie — $100
- Remembering Arabella “Mrs. O” from Monson — $50
- Camella — $10
- With love from Patrick, Erin, Grace and Aiden — $20
- In loving memory of Lani who is deeply missed — $20
- In memory of Margaret Russell — $30
- Love Sadie, Norm, Noah and Easton — $25
- In memory of Dennis, love Jackie — $25
- In memory of Terry Spencer — $25
- Anonymous — $25
- Merry Christmas from Beth — $20
- Memory of Steve Gallant — $25
- Merry Christmas from Richard — $50
- Alan and Pat — $50
- For the children from Jack, Laura, Evan and Mark Nelson — $100
- Kathy — $20
- In loving memory of James Borgo — $10
- In loving memory of Dennis L Roux from Philippe — $100
- In loving memory of Paul S and Paul B Carlson — $20
- In memory of Mark Provost from Kathy —$100
- Dr. L Lester Cohan, my father, my best friend, love Lana — $20
- The Woodtke family — $50
- In memory of Glenn Peter Lacey — $25
- Thankful for God’s blessings — $50
- In memory of Neil and Gloria Cormier — $75
- Janice, Nancy and Mike, in honor of our parents — $10
- In loving memory of Claire and Cindy Murphy — $100
- From Miss Claire — $25
- In memory of Ma and Pops — $100
- In memory of Marge McCarthy, principal of I.O. Elementary School — $100
- Peace and blessings to all from Janet — $40
- In memory of deceased members of he O’Connor and O’Neil families — $50
- In memory of John and Mary Foy and Sandy, love Liz and Peg — $20
- For my mother — $50
- Bucky, Olive, Larry, Lewis, Mariam, Cal Hanbe, in memoriam — $50
- Anonymous — $25
- Remembering Joe, Jack and Flo — $25
- Happy Holidays from Diane — $50
- In memory of Ted Dutkiewicz, his character, contribution, commitment and good humor — $20
- In memory of my family and friends from Barbara — $20
- In memory of Richard Novak — $25
- In honor of McKenna and Declan — $30
- In loving memory of Ed and Inge Mahlo — $25
- In memory of George and Shirley Desautels, by their daughters — $25
- In memory of Joan Gamache — $50
- The Kasperek and Martin families — $25
- In loving memory of Papa, Poppie and Grandma Rose — $25
- Gilbert, Brownie, Nat, Edie, Ruth, peace and love, miss you all — $25
- Dear Jesus, help unite this country once more, Amen — $50
- From Helene — $50
- Stephen A. Phifer Contractors, Inc. — $100
- Sullivan Keating & Moran Insurance Agency — $400
- Happy Holidays, from M & T in East Longmeadow — $100
- Our thanks and wishes for a joyous holiday season, to all our loyal customers, from FLN-MAR Rubber & Plastics, Inc. — $1000
- From the City of Westfield — $250
- Community Foundation of Western Mass — $1500
- Happy Holidays from Harry Grodsky & Co, Inc. — $500
- Happy Holidays from Noonan Energy Corp. — $1000
- The Dowd Agencies — $150
- Aspen Square Management — $1000
- Happy Holidays from Richard E Neal for Congress Committee — $2000
- Merry Christmas! — $200
- In loving memory of Rosemarie & Vincenzo Penna. from son Vinny — $50
- Merry Christmas, in memory of Mary Phelon from the Phelon Family — $1200
- In memory of our loved ones, from Donna and Dave — $100
- From RoxyPF — $50
- Merry Christmas — $100
- Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays — $50
- Finn — $25
- John, we are so sorry about the loss of your brother. He was a fun, sweet man and we all know how much you love him. In memory of Jack Ziemba — $50
- In memory of Bob and Gloria Kemple who always made Christmas special, with love from the Kemple family. — $200
- In memory of Jack Ziemba from Joanne — $25
- In memory of Jack Ziemba from Stacy — $25
- In memory of Ludlow’s Jack Ziemba — $100
- In loving memory of my husband Delton Learned — $30
- In memory of Jack Ziemba from Kris — $100
- Priscilla — $50
- Richard — $150
- Kirsten — $15
- In memory of Anneliese Beeler — $100
- Philip — $150
- From the Butternut Walkers of Westfield — $200
- Laurene — $50
- David — $100
- William — $50
Received this week: $18,545.
Total to date: $33,756
Still needed: $116,244
