For more than a century, the Toy for Joy Christmas campaign has made children happy throughout the region.
For the last 12 years, the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony has served to kick off the Christmas season. And as usual, this year’s event combined the spirit of giving with the spirit of the season, with a sizable Toy for Joy donation highlighting the event.
This year’s Dec. 2 tree lighting came with a $1,000 Toy for Joy contribution from the Hampden County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association. It is one of several cash donations through the sheriff’s office, which also provided volunteers on Tuesday to assist in toy delivery at the Springfield Salvation Army’s Pearl Street location.
Major Donald G. Spencer and his wife, Major Paula Spencer, represented the Salvation Army, which sponsors Toy for Joy and has been involved with the campaign since the 1950s.
The Salvation Army distributes toys through its Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield locations. Children from Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, who might otherwise be left out through no fault of their own, enjoy the thrill of Christmas thanks to the generosity of residents, businesses and organizations that donate to the 102-year-old tradition.
Upon relocating to Greater Springfield in recent years, the Spencers have embraced the campaign.
“Toy for Joy will benefit between 3,500 and 4,000 children this year, and more than 1,600 families from the Springfield location alone,” Paula Spencer said.
Left to right, Anthony Daniele, Santa, Jim Staf, Pasquale Izzo, Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Mayor Domenic Sarno, Majors Donald and Paula Spencer from the Salvation Army, Maryn and Robert Rizzuto. (DAVE HOSMER / REMINDER PUBLISHING)Reminder Publishing
“With toys coming in (Dec. 3), there is a lot of lifting and moving, so we certainly appreciate the volunteer help,” Corps Officer Donald Spencer said.
The tree lighting at the intersection of Trafton Road and Texel Drive is unique in many respects. It comes not in front of a political building or commercial center, but in the heart of one of the city’s neighborhoods, not far from Forest Park.
Civic organizers Pasquale Izzo and Anthony Daniele were on hand to help ensure the event went smoothly.
“Toy for Joy is a great tradition, as is this lighting ceremony,” Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said on the crisp winter night.
“The Park Edge Christmas Tree lighting has become one of my favorite holiday events,” Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi said. “Once the music starts and Santa arrives with the help of the Springfield Fire Department, it feels like a scene from a Hallmark movie. In that spirit, we are honored to contribute to the Toy for Joy campaign, which provides for hundreds of families each Christmas.”
Local families pose with members of the Sheriff’s Department, Mayor Sarno, and members of the Springfield Fire Department at the Texel and Trafton tree lighting ceremony. (DAVE HOSMER / REMINDER PUBLISHING)Reminder Publishing
“Nothing is more precious than a children’s smile at Christmas. Our mission is making it possible for children from hundreds of families to wake up and celebrate the joy of the season in whatever holiday they celebrate,” Cocchi said.
Toy for Joy is promoted and advertised by The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. All contributions will be recognized and published in The Republican and Reminder Publications, and online by MassLive.com
The campaign is also supported by volunteers from individuals and groups, among them Eversource and the sheriff’s office.
The campaign goal is $150,000. The 2024 drive continues until Dec. 24, and all donations will be published in The Republican, Reminder Publications, and online by MassLive.com.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi presents a $1,000 check to the Salvation Army “Toy for Joy” fund. (DAVE HOSMER / REMINDER PUBLISHING)Reminder Publishing
A coupon published with Toy for Joy stories 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 give.salvationarmy.org/give/212002/#!/donation/checkout.
Registration is closed. Information about pickup can be found at the registration link, which is salvationarmyma.org/toyforjoy.
Distribution will be at the Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield locations of the Salvation Army. Details for pickup vary based on location, and those details for each site are available on the link.
Distribution days at the Springfield Citadel at 170 Pearl St. will be Dec. 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18. In Holyoke and Greenfield, distribution dates and times were assigned upon registration, which is required.
Toy for Joy couponThe Republican, file
Each child will receive age-appropriate toys, games, and books. Applicants will receive an email confirmation with their toy distribution date and time.
They must bring their email confirmation and photo ID for pickup. Their pickup time will be listed under “Order Summary.”
More information can be obtained by calling 733-1518.
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Contributions to the Toy for Joy fund:
CONTRIBUTIONS AMOUNT
From the Steven and Georgianne Roberts Donor Advised Fund $3,523
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the French family $150
In memory of Dottie Pelter and Charlotte Granger, love Mom $100
In memory of family from Mary Ellen $40
In memory of Frank and Rosalie Pouliot from Bob and Pat $100
In memory of Tom and Agnes Kelly from Bob and Pat $100
In memory of Donnie, Dave and the Cowboy from Bob and Pat $100
Anonymous $25
Anonymous $200
In memory of Rachel, a cat who loved Christmas $2
In memory of Harry and Claire Broderick $10
In memory of Marie L. Brunelle and Thomas J. Murphy $5
In memory of Jack $3
In memory of Maggie, our beautiful girl $3
In memory of Flynner, love the Montagna family $5
Merry Christmas, Mason James Ward, love Grammy and Papa $5
Merry Christmas, Nora Grace Hazelwood, love Grammy and Papa $5
Merry Christmas, Scarlett Claire Hazelwood, love Grammy and Papa $5
In memory of my husband Kenneth Fellows $100
Anonymous $18
In memory of our parents from Miriam and Charles $20
Merry Christmas from Conn. Special Olympics Snow Makers $200
In loving memory of Nona Marie Martin by family $50
In loving memory of Timothy Martin by his family $50
In loving memory of Joseph Bilodeau from Mom, Dad and Mike $50
Blessings to all in this season $10
Happy Holidays for the AnFang family $36
In memory of Joseph L. Mardeusz $50
In memory of John Salerno and Lynn Shipman, love Mom and Dad Salerno $100
In loving memory of Mary Rae MacFarland from Jo and Keith $100
Anonymous $50
With loving memories of Joseph Pelletti, love your family $100
In memory of Mark Provost from Debbie $100
Remembering Arabella “Mrs. O” from Monson $50
Camella $10
With love from Patrick, Erin, Grace and Aiden $20
In loving memory of Lani who is deeply missed $20
In memory of Margaret Russell $30
Love Sadie, Norm, Noah and Easton $25
In memory of Dennis, love Jackie $25
In memory of Terry Spencer $25
Anonymous $25
Merry Christmas from Beth $20
Memory of Steve Gallant $25
Merry Christmas from Richard $50
Alan and Pat $50
For the children, from Jack, Laura, Evan and Mark Nelson $100
Kathy $20
In loving memory of James Borgo $10
In loving memory of Dennis L. Roux from Philippe $100
In loving memory of Paul S. and Paul B. Carlson $20
In memory of Mark Provost from Kathy $100
Dr. L. Lester Cohan, my father, my best friend, love Lana $20
The Woodtke family $50
In memory of Glenn Peter Lacey $25
Thankful for God’s blessings $50
In memory of Neil and Gloria Cormier $75
Janice, Nancy and Mike, in honor of our parents $10
In loving memory of Claire and Cindy Murphy $100
From Miss Claire $25
In memory of Ma and Pops $100
In memory of Marge McCarthy, principal of I.O. Elementary School $100
Peace and blessings to all, from Janet $40
In memory of deceased members of the O’Connor and O’Neil families $50
In memory of John and Mary Foy and Sandy, love Liz and Peg $20
For my mother $50
Bucky, Olive, Larry, Lewis, Mariam, Cal Hanbe, in memoriam $50
Anonymous $25
Remembering Joe, Jack and Flo $25
Happy Holidays from Diane $50
In memory of Ted Dutkiewicz, his character, contribution, commitment and good humor $20
In memory of my family and friends from Barbara $20
In memory of Richard Novak $25
In honor of McKenna and Declan $30
In loving memory of Ed and Inge Mahlo $25
In memory of George and Shirley Desautels, by their daughters $25
In memory of Joan Gamache $50
The Kasperek and Martin families $25
In loving memory of Papa, Poppie and Grandma Rose $25
Gilbert, Brownie, Nat, Edie, Ruth, peace and love, miss you all $25
Dear Jesus, help unite this country once more, Amen $50
From Helene $50
Stephen A. Phifer Contractors Inc. $100
Sullivan Keating & Moran Insurance Agency $400
Happy Holidays, from M&T in East Longmeadow $100
Our thanks and wishes for a joyous holiday season, to all our loyal customers, from FLN-MAR Rubber & Plastics Inc. $1,000
From the city of Westfield $250
Community Foundation of Western Mass. $1,500
Happy Holidays from Harry Grodsky & Co Inc. $500
Happy Holidays from Noonan Energy Corp. $1,000
The Dowd Agencies $150
Aspen Square Management $1,000
Happy Holidays from Richard E. Neal for Congress Committee $2,000
Merry Christmas! $200
In loving memory of Rosemarie & Vincenzo Penna, from son Vinny $50
Merry Christmas, in memory of Mary Phelon from the Phelon Family $1,200
In memory of our loved ones, from Donna and Dave $100
From RoxyPF $50
Merry Christmas $100
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays $50
Finn $25
John, we are so sorry about the loss of your brother. He was a fun, sweet man and we all know how much you love him. In memory of Jack Ziemba $50
In memory of Bob and Gloria Kemple who always made Christmas special, with love from the Kemple family $200
In memory of Jack Ziemba from Joanne $25
In memory of Jack Ziemba from Stacy $25
In memory of Ludlow’s Jack Ziemba $100
In loving memory of my husband Delton Learned $30
In memory of Jack Ziemba from Kris $100
Priscilla $50
Richard $150
Kirsten $15
In memory of Anneliese Beeler $100
Philip $150
From the Butternut Walkers of Westfield $200
Laurene $50
David $100
William $50
RECEIVED $18,545
TOTAL TO DATE $33,756
STILL NEEDED $116,244
