Frank Colaccino knows even a relatively modest-sized company can have a big impact on the community.
“We always like to help when we can, and the need is greater than ever,” said Colaccino, the president of the Colvest Group ,a Springfield-based property management company.
“We say, ‘Let’s do our part.’ Typically, we donate to Toy for Joy every year and are happy to do it,” he said.
The successful East Columbus Avenue company has fewer than 15 employees, yet its contributions, and those from others, combine to support thousands of underprivileged children and families in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
The Colvest Group’s donation of $2,500 came as the final days of the 2023 Toy for Joy campaign began winding down. The last few days give a final opportunity for individual citizens and businesses to help propel the drive past its $150,000 campaign goal and ensure that children and families in the region experience happiness this Christmas.
Toy for Joy is finishing up its 101st year as one of the oldest, most enduring and impactful charity campaigns in New England. Children under 16, from eligible families, each receive an age-appropriate gift and book from the campaign’s direct proceeds.
Toy for Joy is sponsored collaboratively by the Salvation Army, The Republican, Reminders Publishing, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive.
The campaign officially ends today with more than $80,000 still needed to reach the goal. “Toy for Joy has been in this position before, and we remain hopeful as we do each Christmas eve that last minute donors – angels we call them – will come through,” said Cynthia G. Simison, executive editor emerita for The Republican. “This is the season for hope and kindness.”
This year, the Colvest Group’s donation more than doubled its 2022 gift, and continued a company tradition that has gone on for years.
“We see the reminders each year in the newspaper, and we know it’s a great cause,” said Colaccino, whose own civic efforts extend beyond the company and to his place as chair of the board of trustees at American International College.
Many gifts are given in honor or memory of a friend or loved one who has passed on. No donation is considered too big or too small.
The Salvation Army citadels in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield have served as registration and distribution centers.
The coupon published with this story may still 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.
Last minute donations will be compiled in the week ahead with a final list of contributions published online and in print.
Here’s the list of contributions received as of Friday:
In memory of my mother, Ingrid and her Bobtail cat, Spooky from Fred $1
In loving memory of Muffin $20
Missing all our loved ones. Happy holidays to all from DZ $25
Merry Christmas from Nicole Pierce $100
Happy holidays from Nancy $100
From Andy $250
In memory of loved ones, from Lesley $20
In memory of Terry Spencer. We love and miss you $25
Merry Christmas from Whitey, Bill and Sue $25
Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night from Aidan $50
In memory of Barbara Messler $25
Merry Christmas from Lexi and Peanut $50
In loving memory from your wife Rose $50
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all from Anthony $125
In memory of our parents Ken and Laura Fellows $100
Merry Christmas to our beautiful granddaughters, from Fiona, Evie and Gwen $25
Merry Christmas to all children-thankful for our eight grandchildren $100
Merry Christmas to all from Margie $300
In memory of Lynda North $2
Appreciation of J.H. Tourtellotte, esquire, from Ed, Holyoke $50
Appreciation of P.S. Weinberg, esquire, from Ed, Holyoke $50
In loving memory of Tom and Mary O’Connor $100
In memory of Diane Anair. Love, Len Anair & Family $25
Meowy Christmas from Lina $30
Happy holidays from the Anfang Family $25
In memory of my husband Frank Jr. $100
Happy Christmas from Lisa $100
From Douglas and Celene $100
In memory of Michael Cooney $25
Anonymous $250
In memory of my brother Paul Skowera $25
From Daisy, Bana and Diesel $100
In loving memory of Miriam and Victor Bissonnette $50
In memory of Donald Stuart, Heidi Weit, Robert Person and Robert Stuart. Missed always $50
From Jack $50
Merry Christmas from the “GrandKids” $50
In memory of John DeFilipi $100
For my mother and father Harold and Edna Costa $100
In memory of the Sieron, Lavelle, Skorka $30
A grateful Grampy $25
To remember Ceil and John and Grace and Sparky. $50
In memory of Joyce Cliek. Miss you at Sumner Avenue School $25
In loving memory of my Ray from wife Sue $50
In memory of my husband, Bob, who loved Christmas, from Dee $25
In memory of Mom, Dad, Sandy, Shirley, Shane, also JJ $50
In loving memory of Ann H. O’Brien, Stephen D. O’Brien III, Stephen D. O’Brien Sr., Pauline L. O’Brien, Patricia O’Connor, John P. O’Brien, Kevin P. O’Brien and Clair O’Brien $500
In memory of my husband Joe, from Olivia $50
Merry Christmas from Sean $25
Merry Christmas from M and R Transportation – Cheryl, Bob, Donna, Dan $200
As the number of children in need grow, we are happy to help from the Colvest Group $2,500
In memory of Frances Potter, Colvin and Tom Potter $100
In memory of Joey Pike from Aunty Dee and Uncle Wade $25
Received $6,428
Total to date $67,547
Still needed $82,453
Contributions may be mailed with this coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA, 01103.
