Toy for Joy is not just about the thrill of receiving toys, but the joy of learning.
Its literacy component has grown in popularity over time and remains one of the features that makes this annual Christmas campaign so special and popular amongst children, parents and family members who have seen the results of the drive’s educational aspect.
It has helped make learning fun for thousands of children. This year, the 101st for this annual Western Massachusetts tradition, will be no exception.
With each gift package will come not only toys, but an age-appropriate book. Salvation Army social ministries manager Danielle LaTaille says this is another very meaningful way donors can support the campaign, which serves children in need from Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
The effort seeks to raise $150,000 by Christmas eve to cover the costs of toys and books already purchased in advance.
“We’re intent on providing books for children of all ages we serve in this campaign,” LaTaille said.
The majority of books are acquired from First Book, a nonprofit organization that was formed to provide learning materials for all children, most notably underserved youths and adolescents. Begun in 1993, First Book connects with nearly 600,000 educators and professionals throughout North America.
LaTaille says that still leaves plenty of room for area schools, libraries or individuals to contribute to the Toy for Joy literacy component. The campaign distributes toys, age-appropriate gifts and books to children up to the age of 16.
Each child receives a book as part of the campaign’s effort to promote family literacy.
“We work hard to fill the needs of all ages,” LaTaille said. Interested book donors can call 413-733-1518, extension 108, or email LaTaille at danielle.lataille@use.salvationarmy.org, to make their contribution become a reality.
Toy for Joy began delivering books to each child about 15 years ago, an initiative encouraged by The Republican to promote family literacy, according to Cynthia G. Simison, executive editor emerita who was involved in the planning process.
“The Republican and the publisher at the time, Larry McDermott, viewed the concept of providing books to young readers as helping to improve literacy and encouraging families to read together,” said Simison. “It’s a concept that is still as valuable as it was back then. Parents reading aloud to young children has been shown to help prepare them for success in school. Books are gifts that will keep on giving to entire families.”
Over the years, area nonprofits involved in literacy efforts, including the Irene & George Davis Foundation and the Reading Success by 4th Grade initiative it began, along with Link to Libraries, have made donations which helped fund the Salvation Army’s purchase of books for Toy for Joy, according to Simison.
“We are grateful to the Davis foundation and other organizations that have joined us in this book effort,” Simison said. “Together we can make a difference in children’s lives with the simple gift of a new book.”
Perhaps never were the book donations more essential than in the days after the peak period of COVID-19, which closed schools in the spring of 2020 and, in many communities, for much of the 2020-2021 school year. In those difficult times, Toy for Joy not only helped bring smiles to children’s faces, but helped keep learning alive.
Toy for Joy is a collaborative effort by the Salvation Army with The Republican, Reminders Publishing, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive. It serves children and families in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
The coupon published with this story 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 SalvationArmyma.org/toyforjoydonation.
Contributions may be mailed with this coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA, 01103.
