At a time of constant and often dramatic change and evolution in most aspects of American life, there is something comforting found in traditions and institutions that stand the test of time.
The Toy for Joy Christmas campaign, now in its 102nd year, is one such example. To many longtime donors, it’s been an important part of the holiday season for not only all their lives, but for those family members and relatives before them.
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, recognized the lasting nature of Toy for Joy’s impact as he personally delivered his $2,000 donation on Dec. 3 to Salvation Army Major Donald G. Spencer and his wife, Major Paula Spencer, at Union Station.
The campaign continues until Dec. 24. As the drive’s final weeks are underway, making sure all deserving children and families share in the joy of Christmas depends on the generosity of individuals, companies and organizations in the next 16 days.
The time for the Christmas season, and a tradition that spans from 1920s to the 2020s, is fleeting.
“Institutions become important. They are meaningful because their reputations have been built on consistency,” Neal said as he made his contribution.
Neal has served in Congress since 1989, yet his tenure has covered only about one-third of Toy for Joy’s history.
“Toy for Joy has continued through world wars, international conflicts and difficult economic times,” Neal said. “Through it all, they stayed with it. For many children, this IS Christmas.”
Toy for Joy couponThe Republican, file
Toy for Joy distributes toys through the sponsoring Salvation Army’s Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield locations. Children from Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, who might otherwise be left out by circumstances beyond their control, enjoy the thrill of Christmas through the generosity of others.
According to Paula Spencer, Toy for Joy will benefit between 3,500 and 4,000 children this year, and more than 1,600 families from the Springfield location alone.
The campaign sponsor is the Salvation Army, which has been integral to this tradition for generations.
“(The Salvation Army) traces its role back to the 1950s, but the campaign itself goes back more than a century – and it still matters,” Donald Spencer said.
“We want to make Christmas special for as many children as we can.”
Contributions from groups and organizations have come from many generous sources – some new and others maintaining a longstanding record of support. Among them are the Community Foundation of Western Mass. ($1,500), FLN-MAR Rubber and Plastics of Holyoke ($1,000), Aspen Square Management ($1,000), Noonan Energy Corp. of Springfield ($1,000), and Harry Grodsky & Company of Springfield ($500).
Also, Sullivan Keating and Moran Insurance of Springfield ($400), the City of Westfield ($250) and Connecticut Special Olympics snow makers ($200), the Butternut Walkers of Westfield ($200), the Dowd Agencies ($150), Phifer Contractors of Brimfield ($100) and M & T of East Longmeadow ($100).
Toy for Joy is promoted and advertised by The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. All contributions will be recognized and published in The Republican and Reminder Publications, and online by MassLive.com.
The campaign is also supported by volunteers from individuals and groups, among them Eversource and the sheriff’s office.
All donations will be published in The Republican, Reminder Publications, and online by MassLive.com.
A coupon published with Toy for Joy stories may be used to submit a contribution by mail to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103.
Donors can also make online contributions at https://give.salvationarmy.org/give/212002/#!/donation/checkout.
Registration is closed. Information about pickup can be found at the registration link, which is https://www.salvationarmyma.org/toyforjoy.
Distribution will be at the Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield locations of the Salvation Army. Details for pickup vary based on location, and those details for each site are available on the link.
Distribution days at the Springfield Citadel at 170 Pearl St. during the week of Dec. 11-18. In Holyoke and Greenfield, distribution dates and times were assigned upon registration, which is required.
Each child will receive age-appropriate toys, games, and books. Applicants will receive an email confirmation with their toy distribution date and time.
They must bring their email confirmation and photo ID for pickup. Their pickup time will be listed under “Order Summary.”
More information can be obtained by calling (413) 733-1518.
