Toy for Joy: It’s not too early to donate

Santa Claus can wait until Christmas Eve to deliver all of his goodies and gifts to the children, but the Salvation Army does not have that luxury.

It is not too early to donate to Toy for Joy, the Christmas campaign sponsored by the Salvation Army, which is continuing a proud tradition that’s now underway for its 103rd year.

With the holidays approaching, the to-do checklist is bound to grow for the generous individuals, groups, businesses and organizations who form of the backbone of this annual charity drive.

Making a contribution now, in the earlier stages of the campaign, does more than simply sustain the flow of generous giving that makes hundreds and even thousands of local children joyful every year.

It gives the donor an entire holiday season to feel good about what they have done, by knowing their humanity and generosity is already on its way to bringing smiles to the faces of those young, deserving children.

The campaign’s deadline, as is tradition, is Christmas Eve. That’s only 41 days away.

It may sound like a lot — but it’s not. With the long Thanksgiving weekend, followed by personal holiday shopping, parties, altered work schedules and visits to and from family and friends, those days and weeks always fly by.

The drive is already swinging into full gear.

“Helping the Salvation Army’s Toy for Joy campaign make the holidays brighter for local families has become one of our most meaningful traditions,” says Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi, whose office is again a leading source of both financial and volunteer support.

“For seven years now, our staff has proudly volunteered their time to make sure every child in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties gets to smile and open a gift on Christmas morning. Every child deserves that feeling of joy, and it’s our honor to play a part in making that happen,” Cocchi said.

For residents, businesses and organizations, donating to Toy for Joy is quick, easy — and meaningful. In fact, it’s easier than ever.

For mail-in contributions, an important change is that 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 https://tinyurl.com/ToyForJoy2025.

No donation is too big or too small. Every donation goes directly to deserving children in need.

Donations that honor the memories of departed or living parents, family members, friends, other loved ones and even precious pets are popular and encouraged.

This year’s campaign is again sponsored by the Salvation Army through its Western Massachusetts locations in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield. It will be advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino.

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.

Registration for gifts is wrapping up. For the Springfield and Holyoke citadels of the Salvation Army, the final day to apply is Friday, Nov. 14.

From the Springfield Citadel, registration will be accepted only online. Once an application is submitted, the applicant will receive a confirmation email with a day and time for pickup. Because of time, space and demand, designated pickup times cannot be changed.

They must bring their email confirmation and photo ID for pickup. For information, call 733-1518.

Pickup dates will be Dec. 9, 10, 11, 15 and 16.

Residents of Holyoke, Chicopee, Granby and South Hadley will be served in-person by the Holyoke Salvation Army Citadel, with Friday, Nov. 14, the final day. The Greenfield Citadel completed its in-person applications earlier this week.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must register only once per household.