As Christmas Eve came and went, hundreds of families and thousands of children prepared to enjoy Christmas because the generosity of the local community made it possible.
The 2025 Toy for Joy drive officially ended with its traditional Dec. 24 deadline. However, contributions sent in just before the deadline and received after Christmas Eve will be applied to the campaign that brings the thrill of Christmas gifts to deserving children in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
While this year’s drive will apparently not reach its ambitious $125,000 goal, the contributions of thoughtful individuals, families, groups and organizations were godsends for those children. These donations went directly to making those children happy as Christmas Day comes upon us.
Those who gave should feel proud of their contribution. The deep gratitude from those who spearheaded the drive — and the families who benefited — cannot be measured.
This drive, sponsored by the Salvation Army and wrapping up its 103rd year, brings toys, games and books to children whose circumstances would otherwise leave them left out of the holiday happiness enjoyed by others.
Salvation Army Cap. Stacy McNeil was in her first year at the Springfield Citadel. McNeil plans to be here for years to come.
She says she was deeply moved by the generosity of the local community, and is already formulating strategies to make next year’s 2026 drive a bountiful success.
In the final days of the campaign, a particularly poignant donation once again came from the law firm of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy. The Springfield firm’s generous $2,148 gift maintains its tradition of donating in memory of cherished colleague Robin Morris, who passed away well over 20 years ago.
Morris has never been forgotten. The law firm has donated well over $50,000 to Toy for Joy over the years, and their hearts remain as open as ever, with this year’s gift more than doubling last year’s contribution.
As has always been true, many of this year’s donations — including some of the largest by individuals or families — were sent anonymously and/or in memory of loved ones. In some cases, families scaled down their own personal gift giving, or chose not to do so at all, to support the children in need.
Toy for Joy was advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. Donations received in late December, as well as the final total for the 2025 campaign, will be published in The Republican in early January.
The Salvation Army, volunteer workers and Toy for Joy media outlets join in wishing everyone health and happiness during this Christmas and holiday season. They look forward to the 104th campaign next year — continuing one of New England’s most enduring and proven traditions of holiday spirit and community generosity.
Recent contributions include:
Thank you for all you do! $20.00
In honor of Sean & Eilionora McMahon $50.00
Merry Christmas Trish & Bob Griffiths $100.00
In memory of Lucille Bara. Missing you. Red Hat Girls $50.00
In memory of Arthur and Rita McKenna $50.00
In memory of Santa and Donato Breda $50.00
For the children, in loving memory of Chris, who loved everything Christmas $25.00
Anonymous $10.00
In loving memory of my husband Kent, his parents Kent B. and Christine Goodchild and my parents Larry and Eleanor Wilson. $50.00
Anonymous $50.00
Anonymous $50.00
Anonymous $150.00
Merry Christmas $100.00
In loving memory of my husband Ray — Sue $50.00
In memory of Kathleen “Mimi” O’Brien, who loved Christmas and babies. From her adoring grandbabies — McKenna, Casey, Grace, Hannah, Maggie, Kerry & Cillian $1,000.00
In memory of the Martone family Christmas celebrations $50.00
Our joy are Ava, Joey, Emma and Eloise. Love Mimi and Pop Pop $50.00
Happy Holidays from Nicole Pierce $100.00
In memory of my mom and dad, Merry Christmas from Paul $20.00
In memory of Andrew, Margaret, Nicholas and Bryan — Merry Christmas $25.00
In honor of the Socha girls — Anna, Sophie, Viola $100.00
In honor of our family and friends $100.00
In remembrance of Jennifer BFF $10.00
Wishing happiness and good health to everyone! $25.00
In honor of Sash and Tobey $20.00
Happy Holidays to All $50.00
In memory of mom, sis and sister-in-law $30.00
In memory of mom, dad, Suzy, and Stubby from Ray $100.00
With thanks to Moma at the Holiday season! Love, the Freedmans $50.00
God bless all children $25.00
In memory of Thomas and Jane O’Donnell $25.00
Anonymous $150.00
Merry Christmas $50.00
Peace on Earth $100.00
In loving memory of Eugene & Cecelia O’Shea & Sally Thorn O’Shea $100.00
Anonymous $2,500.00
In loving memory of my father, William LaRochelle $100.00
J9 and Vuss $60.00
Merry Christmas to all $100.00
Remembering members of the Bendarz/Gruszka Families $250.00
Lia Toyota of Northampton $2,500.00
In memory of my friend Jackie Dean $3.00
In memory of my uncle Stanley and my sister Debra $3.00
Christmas Joy & New Year Blessings to all $50.00
In memory of Donald Laduzenski, who enjoyed opening his home and gathering with family for Christmas and supported the good works of the Salvation Army. Love, Michael, Belisa, Nicholas & Mia $100.00
In memory of my parents and in-laws the most generous people I know. $100.00
In honor of Ryla & Raelyn Brown — Care and Share and there will always be a Santa $100.00
Anonymous $50.00
In memory of Donna Cipriani $100.00
Received $9,001.00
Total to date $77,646.00
Still needed $47,354.00
