Showing his generosity to the community comes naturally for Jack Sarat.
Getting him to take any credit for it – well, that’s another story for this modest, altruistic man.
“Certainly, Christmas is a time to be thankful for what we have, and to help others who are not so fortunate,” the owner of Sarat Ford Lincoln in Agawam said. “If you can offer that help, why not do it?”
Sarat’s humble, unassuming nature underscores that for so many generous supporters of the annual Toy for Joy Christmas campaign, the gift is in the giving.
Sarat Ford Lincoln’s $10,000 donation to Toy for Joy was nonetheless substantially more than even its generous donations of past years, and will go directly to help and support the region’s children most in need.
Along with the humanity and Christmas spirit shown by so many others, the gift helped push the campaign drive over the $100,000 mark for its 101st year. While still short of the $150,000 goal, the total raised reached $106,745.
“We are grateful to Mr. Sarat for his continuing support of Toy for Joy, especially this year when the campaign faced many challenges, not the least of which was the economy,” said Cynthia G. Simison, executive editor emerita for The Republican. “He joins so many other donors who each year help to ensure toys and books are there for children across Western Massachusetts whose families might otherwise not have a merry Christmas.”
The 2023 drive, as with others before it and those to follow, served needy children age 16 and younger in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Each child receives an age-appropriate toy and a book, and despite a higher demand than ever – which caused the Springfield citadel of the Salvation Army to reopen registration for one day in late December – every eligible applicant was served.
All of the funds collected in this campaign went to cover the costs of gifts distributed this year. It is hoped that funds collected in excess of previous years’ campaign goals will cover the shortfall.
“This is for the children. It’s an excellent way for those of us who can help to say ‘thank you’ to the community,” Jack Sarat said in making his donation.
Other individuals and companies rallied to the cause of children and Christmas, as they do every year. The law offices of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy contributed $1,080 and by doing so, accomplished a dual purpose. They supported the area’s children while also honoring the legacy of Robin Morris, a legal assistant and paralegal who passed away from cancer in 2020. Over nearly a quarter of a century, the Springfield law firm has contributed more than $50,000 to Toy for Joy while keeping alive the memory of a valued and beloved associate.
Those at the law offices of Mark E. Salomone also had the children in their hearts. A donation of $1,060 went to this worthy cause.
Donations of all sizes helped the campaign, and came from many sources. School Superintendent Eric Duda and the Pathfinder Regional School Committee in Palmer gave $345 to the children. Their gift continues a tradition begun years ago by superintendent Gerald Paist, who retired in 2021.
Another contribution of $500 came this week and was simply signed “Brenda.” Many such donations are done, often anonymously, and all of them help.
Toy for Joy is sponsored collaboratively by the Salvation Army, The Republican, Reminders Publishing, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive. The 2024 drive will be the 102nd in the campaign’s history and will coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Springfield Republican.
Any contributions received in the coming days will still go to cover the costs of this year’s toys and books and will be acknowledged in the first list of donations for next year’s campaign.
Here is the final list of contributions:
Happy holidays from Sarat Ford Lincoln, Agawam $10,000
In memory of Kamari B. Williams $200
From the Committee to Elect Bud L. Williams $250
In honor of Sasha and Tobey $20
Merry Christmas from Dolores $25
Anonymous $4
Anonymous $20
In memory of Lori Bernier from the Bernier Family $50
In memory of Mom, Dad, Suzy and Stubby from Ray $100
Merry Christmas to Christoper L. $50
In remembrance of Barbara, who made the holidays special, from Joanne $20
In memory of Rosemary from Francis $25
From Margaret $50
In thanksgiving for my countless blessings from Anne Marie $20
Merry Christmas and happy new year from Rick and Jackie $25.00
In memory of my Mom and Dad. Merry Christmas from Paul $20
Merry Christmas from Cameron, Brianna, Kayla, Maxwell, Ashlee and Madison Carlin $30
In memory of Jack and Jean Bishop $50
In loving memory of my parents Bud and Ruth and my husband John from Gail $25
Happy holidays from Michael and Mary $25
Superintendent Eric Duda and Pathfinder Regional School Committee “For the children” $345
In loving memory of our mother McC5 $100
Merry Christmas kids from the Sheehan girls $100
For the blessings of our grandchildren Chloe, Tyler, Jake, Emily and Paige $100
From Christine $60
Happy Christmas from Lyndsay $50
No child should be without a gift on Christmas, from Donna $25
In loving memory of Frankel and Pelletier family members $100
In memory of my parents Hazel and Joe Phillips of Suffield $20
In loving memory of friends who passed away this year from Ken & Marie $25
In memory of Carm and Rose Raschilla $20
In loving memory of Eugene O’Shea and Sally O’Shea, hugs and kisses $200
In memory of Doris, David and Steven Graci $20
From our grandkids $15
Merry Christmas. Love, Reis, Will, Hunter, Henry and Charlie $150
In memory of Carol, Kim, Kerrie, Darlene $100
From Mary Beth $25
Rest in Peace, Merry Christmas Eldon, Ruth, Gene and Eileen $100
Merry Christmas from Brian and Mary Ann $100
In thankfulness for all our blessings from Marie and Bob $100
In memory of our grandson Robbie $20
In memory of Tom Simonds. Merry Christmas $100
In loving memory of my classmates, Carol, Stan, Roland, Shirley and Pat P., from Joanns ‘53 $30
For our blessed old and young who are very special, from Michael $50
In memory of John and Billy O’Donnell $25
In memory of Thomas and Jane O’Donnell $25
From Zane $25
Merry Christmas from my grandkids Mya, Kayla, Alexa, Riley and Gavin $125
Memory of Gramma Kay $25
Happy holidays to all from Tom D. Fielding $50
In memory of our friend and colleague, Robin Morris, and all members of the Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy family we carry in our hearts. $1,080
In memory of Inge and Ed Mahlo $25
Chester $50
Good luck to children amd peace and justice to all $250
Denise $30
From the law offices of Mark E. Salomone $1,060
Mary $50
Remembering family and friends past and present at Christmas. $180
In memory of Thomas and Noreen McMahon $50
Kathlyn $25
Merry Christmas $100
In loving memory of our parents: Herb and Connie and Gus and Claire $100
Jennifer $50
Brianne $50
Anne and Peter $50
Richard $100
Katrina $25
Brian $25
In memory of Alice and Bill Roberts $50
In memory of Robert Donnellan $25
In memory of Tommy Julian $50
Brenda $500
Merry Christmas $50
From my amazing five grandchildren, Merry Christmas! $250
Laurene $100
Steve $100
Marion $50
Good will on earth, peace for all. $100
In memory of my loving husband, Alexander J. Begg Jr. The girls and I all love and miss you very much
Love, Karen $25
Merry Christmas and best of the new year $100
In memory of the Savoia and Trombly families $100
Received $18,039
Total $106,745
