Toy for Joy is ready for its second hundred years.
Today marks the launch of the 101st campaign that has delivered toys and gifts to generations of children across Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties thanks to donations from generous readers, area businesses, civic and school groups.
The campaign hopes to raise $150,000 by Christmas eve to cover the costs of toys, age-appropriate gifts and books for children up to the age of 16. Each child receives a book as part of the campaign’s effort to promote family literacy.
Toy for Joy is “a wonderful way to build community,” said Maj. Donald Spencer, commander of the Salvation Army’s Springfield Citadel on 170 Pearl St.
Toy for Joy is a collaborative effort by the Salvation Army with The Republican, Reminders Publishing, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive.
Toy for Joy can trace its origins back to about 1915 when a Santa Fund was begun by the city of Springfield and then taken over by the Springfield Rotary Club. The Springfield Newspapers entered the picture in 1922 to team with the Rotarians to begin Toy for Joy.
Toy for Joy’s association with the Salvation Army came in 1968, with Rotary volunteers still working each year to help organize and carry out the effort.
The campaign is now aided by community partners including Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi.
This is the first year Spencer and his wife, Maj. Paula Spencer, will head the effort in association with Salvation Army units in Holyoke and Greenfield.
The Spencers came to Springfield this summer from Portland, Maine. They had previously spent six years in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Donald Spencer said he knew Toy for Joy was a longstanding tradition, but only recently learned that 2022 was its 100th year.
“My wife will work more directly with the distribution and organizing. Thousands of children will be helped,” he said.
Salvation Army social ministries manager Danielle LaTaille is a seasoned veteran of the campaign. She says the need is greater than ever.
“We’ve been getting calls from families for weeks. If the clientele at our food pantry is any indication, we’ll have a substantial demand,” LaTaille said. “Our numbers are up 50% at the pantry alone. We’ve been working hard to make sure we have plenty of toys.”
Families must register through the Salvation Army units. To register, applicants must submit photo ID for parent-guardian, proof of address dated within last 30 days, birth certificates or passports for each child 16 years and younger and proof of financial need.
In Springfield, online registration will begin Monday and extend through Friday, with 300 appointment slots offered each day at the website, salvationarmyma.org/toyforjoy. The citadel will serve at least 1,500 families; a waiting list will be established.
In Holyoke, registration began earlier in the month and will be available on Monday. In Greenfield, appointments are available Monday through Friday by calling 413-773-3154.
Gift distribution will be conducted in mid-December.
The coupon published with this story 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 SalvationArmyma.org/toyforjoydonation.
Contributions may be mailed with this coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA, 01103.
