The region’s voice in Congress knows a little something about staying power.
That is one reason U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, donates annually to the Toy for Joy campaign, but it’s not the only reason.
“In terms of its reputation, Toy for Joy has not only had a long history but a lasting one. In so many, many ways, it’s made such a difference for tens of thousands of people,” said Neal.
His personal donation of $2,000 this year will help the drive’s march toward its goal of raising $150,000 by Christmas eve to deliver gifts and books to children across Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Toy for Joy is sponsored collaboratively by the Salvation Army, The Republican, Reminders Publishing, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive. Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas J. Cocchi leads the community partners who help make Toy for Joy possible.
Neal has served his district in the House of Representatives since 1989. His support of Toy for Joy goes back even further, and he places value in such a tradition that has stood the test of time.
“I was (contributing) since the days I was mayor of Springfield, and I’m happy to keep doing it,” said Neal, who served as the city’s chief executive from 1983 to 1989.
When Neal was growing up, his family didn’t need Toy for Joy help, but many of those he knew as friends did. Neal saw first-hand what the power of a gift can do to lift the morale of a child or family.
He saw it through the eyes of a child when he was young, and it left an impact on him that remains to this day. In a changing world, he says the joy experienced by children who receive these gifts – and by those whose giving made it possible – has endured.
“We didn’t live high off the hog, that’s for sure. But the need for Toy for Joy has always been there, and it still is,” he said. “Even in such a bountiful country, there are so many needy people.”
Neal’s involvement with Toy for Joy brings back fond memories of his youth, when he delivered the Springfield Daily News. In 2023, The Republican continues to serve as a co-sponsor of Toy for Joy, which is now in its 101st year.
“The need for it is as great or greater than ever,” Neal said.
Toy for Joy donations go to the purchase of toys and books to youths ages 16 and under in in the three area counties. Children of eligible families, who might otherwise not experience the joy of a Christmas gift, receive an age-appropriate toy and a book through Salvation Army distribution locations in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield.
The campaign goal runs through Christmas Eve. 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.
Here is the latest list of contributions:
Happy holidays from U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal $2,000
From Lorraine $25
From Kris $25
Much love from the Nunes family $50
In memory of Ted Dutkiewicz, his character, contribution, commitment and good humor $20
In memory of Rachel, a cat who loved Christmas $2
In memory of Harry and Claire Broderick. Love, your family $10
In memory of Marie L. Brunelle and Thomas J. Murphy $5
In memory of Jack. We miss you. $3
In memory of Maggie, our beautiful girl $3
In memory of Darwin Ward $2
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 loving memory of Dolly & Hugo Mezzetti. Merry Christmas $25
Much love and happiness to our future children $100
Wishing you all a season of peace and joy $25
Merry Christmas from Helen $25
Peace on earth, good will to “ALL” mankind $100
In memory of John Salerno and Lynette Shipman. Love, Mom and Dad $100
Merry Christmas from Tim Green and Dad Bob Green $50
Grandchildren Grayson, Kendall, Fiona & Amelia. Love, Memere and Jahju $40
Mom, Dad, Steven, we miss you. Love, Maryanne, Sam, Sarah $25
In memory for Skip and Family $25
From S.A.C. $25
In memory of family and friends no longer with us $20
Merry Christmas from Peter Vogian $150
From Kathryn $15
Our happiness is your smile. Merry Christmas N & P $50
Peace on earth to all from Donna $100
Memory of Charlotte Worden. She loved Christmas $25
In memory of Carmella and Joseph Staples from Craig and Darlene $50
In memory of Claire and Richard Mastey from Craig and Darlene $50
Peace for all human kind $50
In memory of my brother Freddie L. Tosado $150
In memory of Ruth LaBelle and John LaBelle from the employees of Direct Results $300
Anonymous $10
Hope this helps! $5
Love Seas $20
In memory of Pops, Gammie and Grammie $50
In memory of Mom, Dad and Bob $30
My husband Dick loved Christmas $25
To put a smile on a child’s face from Mary $30
The Donoghue Family $300
In memory of my boy and all our furbabies $50
In loving memory of Gramma, Grampa, Gram, Poppie, Bobby and Mike $50
So thankful for family from Memere $25
Merry Christmas from J and J $20
From Jack and Lucille $25
Thankful for my beautiful family and wonderful friends $100
In memory of my Mom from John $20
For loved ones here and gone. Merry Christmas from Barbara $25
In loving memory of Mom, Dad, Mel and Angie from Sandy and Terry $30
In loving memory of Ma, Pa, Gwen, Bob, Doug and Cay from Terry and Sandy $30
In loving memory of Mary, Stella and Vicki from Sandy $30
Merry Christmas from the Mason family $200
In memory of my loved ones from Diane $100
Anonymous $100
Love and remembrance of Bryan Sunter, Mom, Dad, Brendan Brady $150
In memory of Mom and Dad from Karen $20
In memory of the “FANGS”: Jack, Bob, Bill and Donald $100
In memory of Stell who loved Toy for Joy $100
Received $5,310
Total to date $15,575
Still needed $134,425
Contributions may be mailed with this coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA, 01103.
