For the 2025 Toy for Joy campaign, time is of the essence and the time to donate is now.
The Christmas Eve campaign deadline arrives this week. It seems like just yesterday that the drive kicked off in early November — but in these final days, donations of any size will still make this a Merry Christmas for the children of the region.
As weeks have flown by, generous groups, families, individuals and organizations have shown their Christmas spirit by supporting this 103rd edition of the drive. Volunteers have helped with distribution and other needs.
Every dollar goes to the thousands of deserving children, age 16 and under, in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. This 103rd edition of Toy for Joy will allow these children, who would otherwise have been left out of the joy of receiving a Christmas gift, the thrill of receiving toys, books and games through the Salvation Army-sponsored campaign.
It’s not too late to participate in this time-honored and most worthy cause.
It’s important to note that donations sent by mail by the deadline, and received afterward, will still definitely count toward the final tally. They will go directly to the children. Contributions sent this week, or those recorded online, will mean as much to them as those warmly sent so far.
For new and old donors alike, the coupon and instructions are included with this story. So, with the campaign deadline approaching, a sense of urgency exists for final donations to support this proven campaign.
The warmth of those who have already contributed deserves mention. They are recognized on donor lists that have accompanied these stories.
Among the most recent include a wonderful $7,500 gift from All States Transport, owned by William “Billy” Kingston and a company that not only matched its 2024 gift, but has more than tripled what the company was providing just a few years ago.
Kingston knows the demand is greater than ever, with so many families depending on Toy for Joy. Even while dealing with the increased challenges of the trucking industry, Kingston and his loyal staff have always remembered the region’s children.
On Dec. 14, Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi joined Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, dignitaries and residents for the annual Park Edge Neighborhood tree lighting ceremony near Forest Park. As has been the custom, Cocchi presented a $1,000 donation from the Hampden County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association to Toy for Joy.
“We’re proud to support the Salvation Army’s Toy for Joy campaign, which helps bring Christmas to hundreds of families across Western Massachusetts. Being able to contribute to that effort is something we’re honored to do,” Cocchi said.
Jiggy’s Cafe of Enfield, Conn., continued their tradition of holiday giving by donating $1,300 in gingerbread houses, toys and games.
Among recent generous gifts, shown on the donor list, were from the Kouroubacalis Spero Charitable Foundation ($500), the employees of Direct Results in memory of Ruth LaBelle and John LaBelle ($300), from Madyson O’Herron, Hunter Rheault and Noah Rheault ($250), and many, many others.
For final-week mail-in contributions, this year’s new mailing address (as shown on the coupon that accompanies this story) is 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.
Toy for Joy is being advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. A last surge of generosity and Christmas spirit will make this a Merry Christmas for the region’s deserving children — and for them, a donation of any size, even in these final days, will help make that dream come true.
Recent contributions include:
In honor of the Springfield Police — Thank you! $100.00
In memory of Kenneth Moorehead —Dad always talked about the positive impact the Salvation Army had on him as a child. I know he would want them to receive a donation during this season of giving. $50.00
Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a 2026 filled with love and peace! $100.00
Grateful to be able to help a great cause $50.00
Merry Christmas to everyone!! $250.00
In memory of Connie & Claire Lynch $100.00
In memory of John Lonergan $25.00
In loving memory of our mothers, Mary and Camille $50.00
God Bless $500.00
In memory of our Fathers-Joseph Pelletier and Seymour Frankel $100.00
Anonymous $100.00
In honor of Michele and Cindy $20.00
In memory of Alyssa Sheehan $50.00
To all who have passed before us. Merry Christmas — Tony & Linda “K” $25.00
For all the children – Love Sue $20.00
In lieu of gifts to family & friends – Merry Christmas $1,000.00
Merry Christmas from Jean & Paul $50.00
In memory of Agawam High Football Teammates —Mike “Willy” Wilson and Alphonse “Merc” Mercadante — From Dave S and Billy E. $25.00
Remembering Cheryl Ann with Love $50.00
In loving memory of Arthur and Nancy Strole from Suz and Dave $25.00
In loving memory of Emile and Ginny Grenier from Dave and Suz $25.00
In loving memory of Perry and Rena Hall and Mary E. Grenier from Dave and Suz $25.00
In memory of Nadeau Bergers Mongeaust Roland $50.00
For Sue’s Memory $25.00
In loving memory of John and Catherine Leahy who loved Christmas – Your Family $50.00
Peace and Joy to All $30.00
In honor of Zoe, Mat, Lunch and Dordan Lee $40.00
Happiness for Every Child $300.00
In memory of our parents Peg & Bill — Helen and Frank $25.00
Christmas Blessings to Charlie, Carrie, Bill, Ajay and Brin $250.00
In memory of Diann, Jennie, Arthur, Eleanor and Joseph $30.00
In loving memory of family and friends no longer with us. Love VN $50.00
In memory of Annie L. & Elmer W. Porter SR $100.00
The Anfang Family $36.00
In memory of Cynthia LaRocca Woodward & Edward “Eddie” McDonald Love the Paige Family $50.00
In memory of Byran Sunter $100.00
Remembering Gramma, Grampa, Mom, Dad, Uncle Ed, Uncle Hank & Aunt Parb — Love, Peter & Halina $200.00
In loving memory of Nana, Pepe, and Auntie Mare. Love Grace & Faith $100.00
In memory of both our parents $50.00
In memory of our friend and colleague, Robin Morris, and all members of the DWPM family we carry in our hearts from Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, P.C. $2,148.00
Pass it On $100.00
In memory of Phyllis E. & George Malone Jr. $100.00
Received $6,574.00
Total to date $68,645.00
Still needed $56,355.00
