The Toy for Joy campaign is new to Xavier Superneau, but not to his organization.
“This is my first year personally, but we do it every year,” says Superneau, the employment and training case manager for Veterans Inc.
Now 35 years old, the nonprofit is headquartered in Worcester, maintains a presence in Springfield and serves all of New England. In December, it will serve children who will benefit from the 103rd annual Toy for Joy drive, primarily by helping distribute toys and gifts.
“We’re here to help, and we’ll do whatever help is needed,” Superneau said of the campaign sponsored by the Salvation Army.
Distribution is the priority, but volunteers from the organization stand ready to pitch in for any other needs.
Superneau began his new position a few months ago. He said doing whatever is needed, when it’s needed, reflects the overall mission of Veterans Inc.
“We help find meaningful housing and employment opportunities for veterans. We’re a one-stop organization for their needs,” he said.
As the Toy for Joy drive swings into December, the Christmas Eve deadline is little more than three weeks away. Residents, groups and agencies are again showing their Christmas spirit with mail-in and online donations, but more is needed as the campaign seeks its $125,000 goal.
Mail-in gifts go to a new address this year, as shown on the coupon that accompanies this story. Donations are to be sent to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 971, Springfield MA 01101.
For online donations, donors can use the general link at https://tinyurl.com/ToyForJoy2025.
No donation is too big or too small. Due in no small part to the efforts of volunteer workers and distributors, all donations go directly to the children who would otherwise miss the joy of Christmas gifts.
Through this campaign, they’ll receive quality and age-appropriate toys, books and games. The Salvation Army purchases most toys and gifts.
Its inventory will be bolstered on Monday, Dec. 8, when La Cucina di Hampden House will sponsor its annual toy collection event. From 3 to 8 p.m., guests who bring in an unwrapped toy will receive a 50 percent discount on an entree from the restaurant.
Those toys will be added to the Toy for Joy stockpile, as the Salvation Army prepares for a demand as high or higher than ever.
Toy for Joy serves deserving children 16 and under in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. This year’s campaign is again coordinated by the Salvation Army through its Western Massachusetts locations in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield.
It is being advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. Distribution dates will take place in December.
Here is a list of recent contributions:
Anonymous $50.00
Merry Christmas $25.00
Richard E. Neal for Congress Committee $2,000.00
Merry Christmas Peace and Love — Norsie $25.00
In memory of Fenton, Gartman & Armstrong Family Members $100.00
Merry Christmas $25.00
Merry Christmas $25.00
Anonymous $100.00
In memory of John Gamache $50.00
Enjoy the Holidays $18.00
In loving memory of my husband — Ed Desroches $25.00
In loving memory of the deceased members of the Buckley and Hyland families $50.00
Anonymous $25.00
In memory of Ida Shea & Rita Maruca — Love George & Karen $200.00
In memory of Jack Ziemba — Love mom, brothers and sisters $100.00
In loving memory of Quinlan — Love Kathy $50.00
In memory of Bob and Julie Cross $50.00
In memory of our son John Salerno & daughter Lyn Shipman — you are in our heart every day of the year. $100.00
For my Grammy — who would love her great grandson Leo $33.00
In memory of our parents and sister. $100.00
For my mother and father, Harold & Edna Costa $100.00
Merry Christmas from CT Special Olympics Snowmakers $200.00
Sullivan Keating & Moran Insurance Agency of Springfield Inc $400.00
Anonymous $50.00
In memory of my husband Frank $100.00
In memory of Eleanor, George & Margaret Reilly — Love Kathy $100.00
In loving memory of Annmarie and Jimmy $100.00
Jack — All of us miss you on Kendall Street — Mick $50.00
In memory of our son John who so loved Christmas $100.00
Anonymous $50.00
In memory of loved ones, and for the kiddos at Christmas $50.00
In memory of my brother Stephen — Love Buzz $20.00
In memory of my dear classmates: Carol, Stan, Roland Shirley, Pat and Peggy — From Jo Ann Simmons ’53 $30.00
In memory of Sandy, Mary & John Foy – Love Peggy & Liz $20.00
Merry Christmas $50.00
In memory … 3 sisters, grandson $50.00
In memory … husband — mother — father $50.00
Anonymous $25.00
Thanksgiving for Family $50.00
In loving memory of James Borgo $15.00
Anonymous $200.00
Peace and joy to all this season $35.00
In loving memory of Lani — From Patrick, Erin, Grace and Aiden $20.00
In loving memory of Lani — From Rick and Jo $20.00
In memory of Phil Winterson $100.00
Bless the Children $25.00
In loving memory of Harrison Ryan, beloved son of Meg and Dave Ryan $25.00
In memory of my grandparents Anna and Walter — Love Buzz $20.00
In loving memory of my mom Barbara Kupec $25.00
In memory of Sr. Mary Lou Brennan, SSI $25.00
Merry Christmas to our two wonderful grandkids Audrey & Connor $25.00
In memory of my parents Helen & Louis — Love Buzz $20.00
In memory of my parents Carmela & Filippo — Love Sue $25.00
For all in need — Merry Christmas $100.00
In memory of my brother Joe — Love Sue $25.00
Anonymous $35.00
In memory of Mom & Dad, Grammy & Grampy, Nancy & Roger with love from the Marcotte family. $100.00
RECEIVED $5,586.00
TOTAL TO DATE $27,007.00
STILL NEEDED $97,993.00
