For Richard E. Neal, the holiday season is a time to recognize that charity begins at home.
And even after nearly 37 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Neal, considers his district, his Springfield hometown and Western Massachusetts his home.
“Many people need help,” Neal said upon giving his annual $2,000 donation to the Toy for Joy Christmas campaign. “There are people down the economic ladder, a lot of people, still in need.”
Throughout a history now in its 103rd year, Toy for Joy is important not only for what it is, but what it’s not. It is nonpartisan, nonpolitical, non-denominational and non-discriminatory.
Neal’s annual contribution reflects the spirit of giving that causes countless others in the region to also support the children of Toy for Joy, year after year.
In a time punctuated by hot political debate, the campaign represents something precious: one that keeps a place for everybody, and allows those of all cultural and political stripes to show their holiday spirit with real impact.
“It’s a long and wonderful tradition by the (sponsoring) Salvation Army and the Springfield Newspapers,” Neal said. “And a lot of people today remain in need of assistance.”
This year’s campaign is again sponsored by the Salvation Army through its Western Massachusetts locations. It is being advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino.
Neal’s gift was given on Nov. 26. He called the Thanksgiving holiday “a good leadup to the Christmas and Hanukkah seasons” for both the drive and the community.
As a youth, Neal recalled peddling newspapers for $3 a week. He didn’t deliver the Sunday paper, but he did lug around the second largest edition.
“The Thursday paper had all the ads. Thursdays were murder,” he said with a smile.
For Toy for Joy mail-in contributions, this year, there is a new mailing address, 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
Toy for Joy needs a big December to reach its $125,000 campaign goal. Sullivan, Keating & Moran Insurance Agency of Springfield showed their usual holiday generosity with a $400 gift.
A gift of $200 came from the “CT Special Olympics Snowmakers,” and another from “George and Karen,” in memory of Ida Shea and Rita Maruca.
Other contributions, all vital to the cause, came from individuals, groups or anonymously and often in memory of family, friends and other loved ones.
The drive will again deliver age-appropriate toys, games and books to hundreds and even thousands of deserving children throughout Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
On Monday, Dec. 8 from 3 to 8 p.m., La Cucina di Hampden House will hold its annual Toy for Joy event. Diners who bring in an unwrapped toy will receive a 50 percent discount on any entree.
The time for recipients to pick up toys is nearing. Pickup dates will be Dec. 9, 10, 11, 15 and 16.
Registered recipients must bring their email confirmation and photo ID for pickup. For information, please call 733-1518.
Here is a list of recent contributions:
In memory of Elva and Dwight Viggers $50.00
Paul & Mary Perron $100.00
No child should go without — especially during the holidays — God Bless $200.00
William Kelliher $500.00
In memory of my friend Francine who contributed every year for the kids. Miss You! Judy $50.00
In memory of my husband Bob $25.00
In memory of my beloved husband Gary Turner. I miss you every day. $20.00
In loving memory of my husband Harding J. Stewart, from Bev $50.00
From Bob & Josie $100.00
Merry Christmas to all! $25.00
Sunny $50.00
In memory of Hazel & Athos Ross and their children Peter, Nina, Sarah, Denis & Tina $20.00
In honor of Grandchildren Sarah, Parker, Alex, Sophie & Stella $50.00
In loving memory of Henry C. and Ethel E. Gibson, Joseph R. and Dorothy R. Braun, Joseph M. Braun and Carol Clarke. $200.00
In memory of my brother Chris $10.00
In memory of my brother Tommy who loved Christmas $50.00
In memory of Joseph Caldwell $100.00
In memory of Rose Delpiano, Al & Lucy DiStefano — Love Family $20.00
Merry Christmas from Izzy and Reese $50.00
Anonymous $15.00
Happy Holidays one and all! $100.00
Walter $25.00
In memory of my wife Beverly and my son Daniel $25.00
Merry Christmas from the Phelon Family. In memory of Mary, Ann and Jim $1,200.00
Anonymous $100.00
Anonymous $35.00
Anonymous $100.00
In honor of Major Vicky Berry $1,560.00
Anonymous $25.00
In memory of, my mother, Gloria Boudah, and my brother, Gary Boudah from Doreen & Roland Messier. $50.00
In memory of my grandparents, Bertha & Edgar Malboeuf from Doreen & Roland Messier. $50.00
In memory of my parents, Rollande & Rosaire Messier from Roland & Doreen Messier. $50.00
Anonymous $15.00
Merry Christmas $200.00
Anonymous $25.00
Anonymous $500.00
Anonymous $100.00
In memory of Gloria & Robert Kemple. With Love — Bob, Kathy & Family $200.00
Retired High School of Commerce Teacher $50.00
In memory of the Hosmers — Merry Christmas! $30.00
Peace to all! $100.00
Anonymous $50.00
Merry Christmas — Emily, Christopher, Natalie, Nicholas, & Noelle. Love Nonna $125.00
In memory of our Mom’s cookie & cuddy $100.00
Merry Christmas to All $50.00
Anonymous $75.00
Remembering Robbie — From Grandpa $100.00
Merry Christmas — From Helen $50.00
So grateful for our beautiful grandchildren – Luca, Frankie, Madison & Jack $25.00
In memory of Dotty and Charlotte Grandma. Love, Mom $100.00
As my mother did, I would like to help a child at Christmas time $8.00
In memory of Mom $25.00
In loving memory of Mike, Ken & Jeff $75.00
For a Merry Christmas from Aspen & Harry $25.00
In memory of Samantha, Nick & Baby Defeo — Grandma & Granpa $100.00
In memory — Jim & Ronnie Donohue and Hugh and Anna Ketchum $100.00
In memory of our parents from Ann & Ted $25.00
In memory of Genevieve Vas — Lori $20.00
Spring Greetings & Happy Holidays $25.00
In memory of Baby Joey $25.00
In loving memory of Paul, Billie and Oreo — Merry Christmas $100.00
Merry Christmas $50.00
Love, hugs, smiles and joy to you! $200.00
In memory of Frank & Rosalie Pouliot from Bob & Pat $100.00
In memory of Tom and Agnes Kelly from Bob & Pat $100.00
In memory of Donnie, Dave, and The Cowboy from Bob & Pat $100.00
In loving memory of Tim Dowd from his Family $100.00
Anonymous $50.00
In memory of Morris, Elizabeth, Irving & Harriett $100.00
Merry Christmas to Christopher L. $50.00
In memory of my husband Joe. $50.00
In loving memory of Timothy P. Martin by his two sons $25.00
In loving memory of Nora M. Martin by her two sons $25.00
Dear Santa — Please be sure Julie is on the nice list. $25.00
In dear loving memory of Dr. L. Lester Cohan, my best friend. Love, Lana. $20.00
In memory of Grandma & Grandpa Dusek and Brown $50.00
In loving memory of my parents — George and May Burgess $50.00
In memory of Tommy Egan Jr. from 15 special children $25.00
In memory of Nanny & Gramp from 13 special grandchildren $25.00
In memory of our beloved sister Sharon Cormier from Susan and Sandra $25.00
In loving memory of my husband Richard Burrage $50.00
Golden sunset wishes for Christopher Bazilj $30.00
TOTAL TO DATE $32,660.00
STILL NEEDED $92,340.00
