Danielle LaTaille says she understands that when each company, group or individual makes a donation to the Toy for Joy Christmas campaign, they are making a contribution that comes out of their own coffers or pockets — and is not always easy for them to do.
Yet they do it anyway, freely and generously, for a cause they know is needed and worthy.
Like the family of Army 1st Lt. Michael P. Austin, of Belchertown, killed in action in Vietnam on Feb. 2, 1971, at the age of 22, who have honored his service with a gift to the campaign for more than 45 years; it now includes honoring the memory of his parents who have passed in intervening years.
Like state Rep. Bud L. Williams, D-Springfield, and his wife, Gloria, who give in memory of their son, Kamari, who passed away at age 36 in 2020.
“Everyone is facing challenges these days, and yet these people and businesses and groups still donate and still support the children of the region,” said LaTaille, the social services director for the Salvation Army, which has been winding down the 101st Toy for Joy campaign. “They come together to help the community — every one of them who supports the cause. We are so very grateful to them.”
As of yesterday’s Christmas Eve deadline, the campaign faced its most significant shortfall ever, more than $61,000. With the deadline falling on a Sunday and the last mail delivery received around noon on Saturday, there is still hope the gap will be closed in the coming week, said Cynthia G. Simison, executive editor emerita of The Republican.
A year ago, the campaign fell about $6,300 short of the goal, while in each of the two prior years, the campaigns received in excess of $170,000. Those prior years’ successes were set aside to help cover future years’ shortfalls should they occur.
“A final accounting will be completed in the week ahead, and we hold out hope last-minute donations will help us cover the costs of the toys and books distributed to thousands of children this year,” Simison said. “This year’s campaign faced significant challenges, including the loss of significant community partners and a fragile economy. Every single gift, no matter its size, is truly making a difference, and we are grateful to each donor.”
Toy for Joy is sponsored collaboratively by the Salvation Army, The Republican, Reminders Publishing, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive.
The Salvation Army citadel in Springfield, along with its centers in Holyoke and Greenfield, have served as registration and distribution centers for families in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
While the $150,000 goal appears to be out of reach this year, LaTaille said the donations of those who gave to the cause will keep the Christmas spirit alive once more, as it has in the 101 years of the Toy for Joy tradition.
“We’ll make it work. We always have and are doing so again, even though we found the need this year was greater than ever,” she said. In Springfield alone, 1,700 families were served by the campaign.
Eligible families faced a Christmas without the means to give the children a gift in the spirit of the season. Through Toy for Joy, each eligible child was given an age-appropriate toy as well as a book to support the campaign’s well-received literacy component.
The heightened need caused the Springfield citadel to expand its service. On Dec. 21, well after the initial registration and distribution period had passed, an extended six-hour registration and distribution was reopened to serve eligible families that had either missed registration or were unable to keep their appointment for pickup.
“In the past, there had been gaps in distribution (demand), but not this year. It was nonstop. We saw more larger families this year as well,” LaTaille said.
The extra registration period on Dec. 21 allowed about 200 additional needy families to be served. The demand has basically used up the Salvation Army’s gift inventory, LaTaille said.
“We’ve cleaned our shelves. Everything has gone out to the community,” she said. “We want to thank all of our donors, and also all of the volunteers and clients who made this campaign possible and successful, and did it with a pleasantness that speaks to the season.”
Representative Williams remembers the impact Toy for Joy had in his own youth.
“We were Toy for Joy recipients,” Williams said. “They used to send a check back then. We knew how important it was for families like ours to receive some help at Christmas.”
An anonymous donation of $1,000 was received in honor of George Ditomassi, the former chairman of Milton Bradley Co. and chief operating officer at Hasbro, who died in 2021 at the age of 86.
For decades, Milton Bradley and, later, Hasbro, before it moved its headquarters to Rhode Island, was a key partner in the Toy for Joy effort, according to Simison. “The support of Milton Bradley helped ensure there were toys and games aplenty each year for children and families in need. The company was among key community partners for the campaign,” she said.
Many donors prefer anonymity or semi-anonymity as they support the children of Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Final totals for this year’s campaign will be tabulated in the upcoming days to include donations still to be received by mail. Whatever the final numbers, LaTaille said the children of needy families has again been served by the generosity of those who supported this enduring campaign.
“Next year, a new stockpile of gifts and toys will be needed, but we’ll be back,” LaTaille pledged. “And thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, we’ll make it work again.”
Here is the list of the most recent contributions received:
Merry Christmas Gramma and Poppa. We love you, Emily, Owen, Sam, Alex, Brayden, Liam, Eli and Lennon $10
Happy Birthday Mom, Gramma and Great-Gramma, enjoy your day on the 27th, from all of us $10
In honor of my grandsons Brayden, Liam and Eli, thanks for bringing so much joy into all of our lives $5
Happy holidays from the Hampden County Jail Inmates Commissary Fund $5,000
Happy holidays from the Hampden County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association and Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi $1,000
Happy holidays from Smithfield $1,749
Laughing all the way as we help him load the sleigh, then he’s off and away to make merry for all on Christmas day, from Agawam $272
Have a merry Christmas from Fernando $50
In memory of the Polimeni-Schiavone Families $25
In memory of the Minniti-DeDomenico Families $25
In loving memory of our parents “Bucky” and Anita Allen and brother Gary from Gordie, Patti and Greg $100
God bless the children from Tom $20
In memory of Michael Cooley $36
God bless the children from the Fentons $100
In memory of Pops and Grandma and Papa and Nana. Love, Chris & Katie $25
In memory of Murphy, a much loved dog. $25
From Helen $100
Merry Christmas from Rachel Likover and Scott DeWolski $100
From Robert $100
Blessings, love and joy from Ron and Barbara $25
The Sbalbi, Visconti, Rudgy and Prentiss families. Merry Christmas $50
In loving memory of granddaughter Olivia Ross from Grammy and Grampy $75
In memory of Charlie and Sue Harris $20
Erik and Diane $50
Amy $50
In memory of Valerie Albano $60
The Jackson Family $100
In loving memory of my parents Joan and Kip, P.H. $50
Grateful for my many blessings, P.H. $50
In memory of Margaret and Andrew Parsons. Merry Christmas $25
Merry Christmas, happy new year and peace on Earth, TJ $25
In memory of Vo’ Lourdes & Vo’ Lina. Love, Noah, Camila, Lana, Jonas and Hanna $100
In memory of Tio Nelson. Love, Brian, Colleen, Mathew and Melissa $100
Merry Christmas from Jean and Paul $25
Have a good diggin’ Christmas from Gabby Hayes $25
In memory of the Hopkins, Horaceks and Rossi Families $100
From Vusi, J9 and Zyna $50.
Merry Christmas to the residents of Springfield $100
Thank you St. Jude for always listening. DC $25
In loving memory of Hilda Nilson $25
In memory of Rose, Tom, Tom Jr. and Jon $50
All children need a merry Christmas, from Nancy $50
In memory of Leslie Fogg $50
Happy holidays from the Kasper Family $250
Merry Christmas from Finn $30
Thankful for all my blessings, from Yvette $20
Merry Christmas from Barbara and John $50
In loving memory: Shea, Bewsee and Denno Family Members $50
From Rckha and Naucen $25
In memory of Suki, Beucke, the Christmas puppy $20
The Golden Age Club Chapter I. Enjoy $100
Anonymous from Longmeadow $150
In loving memory of Samuel and Caroline Gledhill. They loved Christmas and all children. $10
In loving memory of Michael Quinliban $10
In loving memory of Michael Lynch $10
In loving memory of Mary Stilwell, Louise Beachell-Barbara Neary & Kathy Darcy. Good friends are a precious gift. $10
Happy holidays from AFSCME Local 17 $50
In memory of our founder Bob Horacek from Prime-Line Marketing $100
In memory of James A. Fletcher and Joseph E. Marinello from Fletcher Sewer and Drain, Inc. $200
In memory of Larry Cavanaugh from Holyoke from family $50
Mackie 42 $100
In memory of Raymond and Patricia Kennedy from RAK $45
In memory of Ena Flynn, Biran Fontaine and Claire Cook from RAK $45
In memory of Kathy and Al Fortin from RAK $45
4 deceased family friends and pets 2 $250
Merry Christmas from Merle $25
For the kids with less $25
In memory of Ma and Dad, Big John,Ellisha and my husband Dan $50
Happy 69th anniversary to Faye and Mario $50
In memory of Aurora Lily Gabrenas. Love, Nana and Grandpa $25
In memory of Joseph F., Claire E. and 1st Lt. Michael P. Austin from Valley Farm $50
In memory of Natala Keefe from the Picky McQuade family $50
In memory of James and Mary McAleer $25
In memory of Joe Leahy from wife Elieen and family $25
In memory of Dan and Rita Manning from their family $25
In memory of Maurice and Kathleen Murphy from their family $25
In memory of Christy and Elizabeth Karr from their family $25
In honor of George Ditomassi $1,000
Remembering Ed and Jane Gruszka and the members of the Bednarz-Gruszka families $250
In loving memory of William Manegre who passed away in 1974 and Catherine Manegre who passed away in 2019,. Sadly missed by daughter JoAnne, son-in-law Walter, grandson Robert and granddaughter Staunzy $1
In loving memory of John and Mary Ganley. Sadly missed by granddaughter JoAnne Gould $10
In memory of Basil and Eleanor Gould from Walter and Joanne Gould $3
In memory of Grandpa and Grandma Gould from Robert Gould $3
In memory of Walter and Bertha Edwards from grandson Walter Gould $3
In memory of Charles and Helen Edwards from nephew Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Joe and Mary Dillon from nephew Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Richard (Water Wheel) Savoy from the Gould family $3
In memory of Robin Fleming from the Gould family $3
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Fleming from the Gould family $3
In memory of Ken Fleming from the Gould family $3
In memory of our dogs, Buddy, Princess, Toby and Sandy girl from the Gould family $3
In memory of Benny and Peggy Bonavita from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of our neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. H. Hawley from the Gould family $3
In memory of our neighbor Stan, from the Gould family $3
In memory of our neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Kwist from the Gould family $3
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. George Pelletier from the Gould family $3
In memory of my pal, Josie from Robert Gould $3
In memory of Mary and Jerry Langone from the Gould family $3
In memory of Jay (Langone) and Randy Rewis from the Gould family $3
In memory of Jim Maher from Walter Gould $3
In memory of Harry Gallerani from the Gould family $3
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. O’Diorne from the Gould family $3
In memory of Grandpa Larosa from Robert Gould $3
In memory of our friend, Anthony Larosa from Joanne and Walter Gould $3
In memory of our neighbor, Fred Kelleher from the Gould family $3
In memory of Aunt Gerry and Uncle Paul, Uncle John and Aunt June and Aunt Ruth and Aunt Margaret from Joanne Gould and family $3
In memory of Ciro Langone and brother Jimmy Langone from the Gould family $3
Happy holidays to all our friends from the Gould family $3
To the staff at Tony’s Barber shop in Springfield’s South End: Merry Christmas from Walter and Robert Gould $3
In memory of Brian O’Diorne, from the Gould family $3
In memory of retired Springfield Police Officer Mike J. Ristaino and Irene Ristaino from the Gould family $3
In memory of Preston, no longer by our side, forever in our hearts from Mom, Dad, Robert and Staunzy $3
In memory of our good friend Jennie McAlpine, her mother Josephine Szczepanek and brother Matt from the Gould family $3
In memory of Antonette Pepe from the Gould family $3
Thank you Eastfield Hospital for animals from the Gould and family $3
In memory of Bill Lapardo from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Stenta from the Gould family $3
In memory of Shirley Nichols from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Mike and George Pelletier from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Jason Kenyon and his father Mark Kenyon from Walter Gould and family $3
To our grand dog Cooper from Grandma and Grandpa Gould $3
In memory of Jack Wojcik and his son David from the Gould family $3
In memory of Mrs. Crinella from the Gould family $3
In memory of Julio Nozzolillo from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Alex Velez from Walter, JoAnne Gould and family $3
In memory of Mike Tirozzi from Walter (Water Wheel) Gould and family $3
In memory of Barbara Thomas from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Joe Mineo, from Walter (Water Wheel) Gould and family $3
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Corbeil Sr., from the Gould family $3
To all my co-workers, friends and customers at Red Rose Pizzeria $3
Thank you St Jude for your intercessions, Billy G. and Dottles $10.
Remembering Paul Meunier – the best Santa ever from the Meunier family $200
Agawam Junior High $240
In honor of little Mae, given on behalf of our grandchildren. Merry Christmas! Love, Gram and Dzia $100
Happy Birthday Jesus $100
In memory of Florence and Cosimo Mercurio $50
In memory of Santa and Donato Breda $50
In memory of Rita and Arthur McKenna $50
Katy $100
Judith $25
Thomas L. $100
In memory of Richard and Joan Briggs $100
Ellen $200
In loving memory of Lorraine N. Reusch from Theo and Vanessa $250
In loving memory of Helen M. Hurley from Theo and Vanessa $250
From the Bill and Kathy Barz $130
Katherine $25.
Sandra $25
Sandra $100
In memory of my mom Dottie Robidoux. Merry Christmas $100
In memory of Ryan Gilrein $50
Molly $30
Jean $25
Thomas $35
In memory of Harold (Drahma) Dukes, defender and protector of children, from Russell $25
In loving memory of our nephew Tony Caracciolo. Love,, Aunt Sandy and Uncle John $50
Wishing children here and around the world peace and freedom from hunger $100
In loving memory of Vincenzo and Rosemarie Penna from son Vinny $25
Rory $100
Jeffrey $50
Ryan $25
Brennen $25
Aidan $50
Merry Christmas, Trish and Bob Griffiths $100
Happy holidays to all from Steve and Madeline $100
For our granddaughter Abigail. Merry Christmas, Michael and Maryellen Klein $100
Linda $100
Happy holidays and best wishes for love, peace and happiness $20
In memory of Marcie Williams $25
Thankful for the blessing of wonderful neighbors $25
In honor of Brendan Conroy, Merry Christmas $50
Anonymous $300
In thanksgiving for recovery of health problems in the family. Merry Christmas $25
Bob and Roberta $1,000
Matching contributions from The Republican employees $2,700
For Ellie Grace $75
For Alba $75
For Dennis, a true friend $50
For Richard C. Garvey, editor and mentor $50
For Nemo and the Boston Red Sox. Believe $50
With gratitude for Tracey, the Toy for Joy angel $50
Received $21,159
Total to date $88,706
Still needed $61,294
Contributions may be mailed with this coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA, 01103.
