Toy for Joy: Generous donors boost total

Do you believe in miracles?

The generosity of people toward the neighbors is not a miracle. Not really. It’s a targeted, motivated thought process that recognizes we all live in a broader society, and that when there is opportunity to help others, that call should not go unanswered.

The 2024 Toy for Joy campaign provides such an opportunity. As the Christmas Eve deadline neared, many generous donors stepped to the forefront, raising the total to nearly $100,000 with some late mail donations hoped to push the final total over that plateau.

All donations of all sizes went to the children of Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, who rely on the goodwill and holiday spirit of others to enjoy the toys, books and games that many families take for granted at Christmas time. None was more responsive than Hope for Youth and Families (HYF), whose $10,000 donation comes from an organization that supports youth from underserved communities in Greater Springfield — in multiple ways.

The organization is the vision and creation of Bob Bolduc, former owner of the Pride Stores chain and a lifelong believer in community philanthropy and activism.

Bolduc sold the chain in 2022. This gave him time to focus even more energy on helping children build confidence, graduate, and pursue either higher education or sustainable employment, and realize their potential.

Bolduc and HYF purchased the former CityStage community theater, which had stood vacant for six years, and is transforming it into a multidisciplinary arts center for theater, music, dance, media and a creative art studio. But Bolduc, a humble 81-year-old with the energy of someone a quarter his age, did not forget Toy for Joy, which was sponsored by the Salvation Army and has completed its 102nd year.

In addition to the arts theater, HYF has two other major programs.

“It’s been proven that children need to be able to read by third grade at the latest. What happens to those who can’t?” he asks rhetorically. “Studies show they can never get the types of jobs that we need, and they need, and they often wind up with criminal behavior or drug abuse.

“We’re going into the middle schools and teaching them to read – we work at a level two years behind. I brought in the best consultants in the country, and it’s been proven that this works — and it is working.”

The other program, called “College Bound,” helps students who desire to attend four-year colleges. The program offers counseling, visits, test preparation and other assistance that students of more privileged families may get, but which they may not.

“We engage the parents and families, too. That’s crucial,” Bolduc said.

Bolduc was always generous to Toy for Joy during his stewardship of Pride. That dedication remains today and made Christmas a happy time for countless children this year.

Toy for Joy was the recipient of generosity from many others — some tried and true, and some new to the cause. Wel-Design Alarm Systems, as always, had the children in mind with its $600 donation.

For 46 years, the Wilbraham firm has specialized in the design, delivery, and execution of low voltage building systems. For many of those years, they’ve come to the need of children at Christmas through Toy for Joy.

Wel-Design specializes in life safety, closed circuit television, access control, public address and clock, intercom, and intrusion systems.

The students of Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School in Palmer, with a salute to superintendent Eric Duda, delivered $315 to the cause.

The Springfield law office of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy PC never, ever forgets. Not only does this year’s generous $1,120 donation support the children, it honors the memory of former colleague Robin Morris, who passed away more than 20 years ago.

Ever since, the law firm honors and remembers her in an impactful way through this campaign.

Jiggy’s once again donated toys to the Salvation Army for the campaign. The popular bar in Enfield, Conn., has kept Toy for Joy on its list of charitable causes for 15 years.

“We are still going strong at Jiggy’s, just over the border,” said Jeffrey Belkin, spokesman for Jiggy’s and its owner, John Accorsi, as well as Kelly Baker, who supervises fundraising.

Through fundraisers and support from its patrons, Jiggy’s has notably donated bicycles and, this year, hundreds of gingerbread house kids and toys. The bar supports many Connecticut charities but also keeps the Salvation Army’s Springfield location on its list.

“Kelly Baker has really taken the fundraising to higher levels even during these tough times, and has done a remarkable job,” Belkin said.

Additionally, many, many families gave valued donations in the name of their loved ones, deceased or present. These can be found in the donor lists published in The Republican and Reminder Publications, and online by MassLive.com.

The campaign was supported by volunteers from individuals and groups, among them Eversource, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, and Agawam-based ROVI Homes of Western Mass.

The contributions and support all add up to bring smiles to the faces of countless children. Final totals for 2024 Toy for Joy will be announced in early January.

Toy for Joy donations:

Merry Christmas from Wel-Design Alarm Systems Inc. 600

In memory of Joseph E. Marinello, 20th anniversary of his death, from Fletcher Sewer & Drain Inc. 200

Merry Christmas to all from Steve 200

In memory of Brent 52

Paul and Joyce 20

In memory of Genevieve Vaz from Lori 20

In loving memory of our Avos Lamas and Pereira and Tio Nelson, Brian and Matthew 100

Merry Christmas to all the children, Noah, Camila, Lana, Jonas and Hanna 150

Merry Christmas from Jean and Paul 25

Happy Christmas from Debbie 50

In loving memory of Samuel and Caroline Gledhill 10

In loving memory of Mary Stilwell 10

In loving memory of Michael Lynch 10

In loving memory of Michael Quinlivan 10

Esther, Jack, Millie and Roland, in memory of 20

God bless all 25

In memory of Betty O’Connor 10

In memory of Harrison James Ryan, beloved son, Meg and Dave Ryan 25

In memory of our grandparents, love Lisa and Mary 20

In memory of Andy Mackie, a great guy 10

In memory of my parents Hazel and Joe Phillips, Suffield CT 10

In memory of the Potter family, Suffield CT 10

In memory of Estelle, Manya, Marion and Bev from Jeri, Judi, Suzie, Natalie, Patty, Kelly and Teri 70

Anonymous 35

In loving memory of Eugene and Cecilia O’Shea and Sally Thorn O’Shea 150

In memory of Jack Ziemba from the Keckis 50

In loving memory of Terry, Chick, Rose, Stan, Linda and George 30

Merry Christmas from Ed and Viv 50

Christmas joy and New Year blessings to all 75

In loving memory of Mike and Lee Roy Rinehart 50

Carol 25

Margaret 50

In loving memory of our parents Pat and Gary K. 25

Merry Christmas to all the children from Bob and Priscilla 100

In loving memory of Jason McDiarmid, now reunited with his grandparents 99

Merry Christmas Hunter, Jackie, Rylee, Zoe, Amirah, Charlotte, Benjamin, Addelaide, Eloise, Lucas and Amelia 55

In honor of Mabue Sharif 300

In loving memory of Nana, Pepe and Auntie Mare, love Grace and Faith 100

Thank you St. Jude, CO 25

In memory of our parents from Ann and Ted 25

Merry Christmas to my beautiful granddaughters Taylor, Mya and Ava from Meme 25

In memory of Gramps C, Dad K, Dad C, and Mom C and Edwin K who loved children 25

In honor of Zoe, Max, Liam and Jordan 40

Merry Christmas from Todd 100

In loving memory of my parents Stanley and Stella Borowik from daughter Marilyn 25

In loving memory of Walter and Amelia Haryasz, daughter in law, Marilyn 25

In loving memory of my beloved husband, Edward Haryasz, love always Marilyn 50

In memory of family that has passed from Debra and John 35

Merry Christmas Freddy 10

Merry Christmas from Teresa 25

To Mary, Stella and Vicki, l love and miss you from Sandy 30

Pa, Ma, Gwen, Bob, Doug and Cay, we love and miss you from Terry and Sandy 30

Dad, Mom, Mel and Angie, we love and miss you from Sandy and Terry 30

Merry Christmas 100

Merry Christmas to all 300

Go the extra smile, miss you 75

In memory of Ernie who loved Christmas and his family, Patty, Jill, Sherry, Dawn, Charlotte, Cal, Emmy, Bennett and Mara 100

In memory of Sr. Mary Lou Brennan 25

Peace to all 100

All kids deserve a Merry Christmas, N and T 50

Dave Roberts steals 2004, repeat 2024, Steve buys the Desoto, Go Dodgers 250

Charles 20

Merry Christmas from the Gomez kids 40

In memory of Dot Hammond 50

For the kids 25

In memory of Joan 20

In memory of Clifford and Marguerite Pope and Wilfred and Edna Langtange 100

Merry Christmas from Fiona, Evie and Gwenny 50

In memory of my dad Harry Fekeris 20

Merry Christmas 100

Love you Jesus 20

In memory of Wilbraham friends, Tom Sullivan, Rick Bates and Sandy B. Clark 100

In memory of Ludlow Allen, Yelle, Silveri and Miller families 100

Merry Christmas Springfield 100

Chester 100

In memory of Jennie and Walter Lysick 25

In memory of Ray, love Sue 50

In loving memory of Betty J Evans, love Lynne and Alan 25

For the children, Pathfinder Regional School Committee and superintendent Mr. Duda 315

In loving memory of granddaughter Olivia Ross from Grammy and Grampy 100

In loving memory of my father William LaRochelle 100

In memory of my husband Bill and my son David 50

In memory of my parents James and Mary McAleer 25

In memory and gratitude for all loved ones 20

Merry Christmas to all, love Gianna, Jillian, Michael and Ben 100

In loving memory of my husband Frank, love Shirley 25

In memory of Mom, Dad, Stubby and Suzy from Ray 100

Merry Christmas to all from Ryan, Lauryn, Rachel and Ashley 25

Thank you St. Jude for favors granted, Joni 25

In memory of my mom, Blanche E. Roberts, Jan. 25, 1907-Sept. 9, 2001, so dearly loved, so sadly missed 40

In memory of my precious son Tim Smith, Oct. 18 1960-Nov. 3, 1980, all my love Mom 43

In memory of my dad, Michael A. Roberts, May 22, 1907-June 6, 1985 40

In memory of Tiger, Tasha, Bandit, Candy, Nero, Gypsy, Buffy, Buford, Smitty, Missy and Skeeter 40

Thank you St. Anthony for favors granted 25

In memory of Freddie Facchini 40

In memory of my brother Mike Roberts 40

In memory of William “Billy” O’Connell 40

In memory of my Mom and dad, Merry Christmas from Paul 20

Remembering Suki and Bruno, the Christmas pups 25

In honor of Fotini, love YiaYia Papou and Theo Tommy 50

In memory of Auntie Sue for the 4 K’s 50

In loving memory of my son Paul Robert 25

For our parents Bill and Peg and Helen from C. 25

Jane 200

In memory of James and Julie Fitzgerald 50

In loving memory of Craig, who made life special 75

In loving memory of three sisters, Tillie, Orpha and MinnieMae 75

In honor of my dad who contributed every year 25

In memory of Dave, Bridie, Kevin and Paul 100

As John Lennon would say “Happy Christmas” 200

In memory of the Martone family Christmas parties 50

In memory of my brother Paul Skowera 25

Happy Holidays from Nicole Pierce 100

In memory of Grandma and Pops, Nana and Papa, love Christopher and Katie 25

Enjoy, from Nancy and Dan 200

In honor of Sasha and Tobey 20

In memory of Uncle Steve 50

In memory of our grandparents from Bob and Gini 50

Remembrance of Ceil and John and Grace and Sparky 50

Merry Christmas from our family from Jan and Bernadette Piepul 200

In memory of Joe and Eileen Leahy from their family 25

In memory of Maurice and Kathleen Murphy from their family 25

In memory of Dan and Rita Manning from their family 25

In memory of Christy and Elizabeth Karr from their family 25

Remembering Ed and Jane Gruszka and members of the Bednarz/Gruszka families 250

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 PC 1120

Paul and Peter 25

From David S 75

In memory of singer songwriter Francoise Hardy 20

Happy Holidays from the Mark Twain Senior Housing Gang 1

Mom and Dad Keniston, Bobby, Joey, Fred, Richard, Barbara Keniston Pelosi, my husband Tony Minchella, granddaughter Lauren Minchella, Mary and Maura Keniston from Marion Minchella 25

For David 10

In honor of Kenneth and Agatha Moorehead 50

From J Noelle Owens 100

Merry Christmas from Karen 300

Remembering family and friends past and present at Christmastime. 285

Merry Christmas Trish and Bob Griffiths 100

In honor of Levi Gillespie 100

In memory of our parents Mary and Joseph Bocchino and Al and Millie Domaingue 50

In memory of our parents, Kevin and Sue 100

Holly 25

Merry and Blessed Christmas 50

In loving memory of Christopher J Knight, miss you every day, Mom, Dad and Brian 40

In memory of Richard Rock. 50

In memory of Claire and Connie Lynch 100

For our grandchildren, Abigail and Gabriel 100

Brian 75

In honor of Jim and Patty Foard 100

In memory of Al and Velma Farland 100

Merry Christmas Love Reis, Will, Hunter, Henry and Charlie 200

In memory of Shelby Mase 100

Remembering my parents from Melinda 100

In memory of Augie and Dee Costa 500

Sheila 25

In memory Mary Schmidt 25

In memory Eileen Olszewski 50

Glen 50

Wayne 35

In memory of the Ford and Smith Families 100

Katherine 500

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all deserving children 25

Mark 100

From Hope for Youth & Families Foundation 10000

From Maria 300

Merry Christmas from our family to yours 25

In honor of MiraVista Staff 300

Rory 100

In honor of Helen and Billy Lynch 25

Wishing peace and love to all 500

In honor of Walker Daniel our greatest gift 50

In memory of Fran Warner 25

In memory of Matante Madeleine Carpenter 50

In memory of Claire Loud 25

From Steve Perrault and Madeline Novak 100

In memory of Buddy and Kit Miller 25

In memory of Missy S 150

In memory of Richard and Joan Briggs 100

Thank you for the blessing of wonderful neighbors from Donna 25

RECEIVED 25,140

TOTAL TO DATE 96,841

STILL NEEDED 53,159

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