And now a message from sponsors of the 97th annual Toy for Joy Christmas drive: Thank you!
"This was my 12th Christmas with the Salvation Army, and I truly believe this was the best one yet,'' said Danielle LaTaille, social services director of the Salvation Army, which distributed toys and books to children who would otherwise have had empty stockings at Christmas.
"We are just thrilled so grateful for the commitment people have to (donating to) this program, and their generosity. We're thankful are still willing to support this program for families in need,'' she said.
The 97th Toy for Joy drive, a month-long campaign, brought in $129,030 in donations. A late surge of donations backed up the loyalty and generosity of early donors, allowed the Salvation Army to bring toys and books to children of all 1,500 families who registered in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
"The most important thing to remember about Toy for Joy is that every single dollar donated helped make Christmas happy for children in need. While we did not make the goal of $150,000, we did come closer than we have over the past three years," said Cynthia G. Simison, executive editor of The Republican.
"As it's been for nearly a century now, our readers joined forces with our community partners to be generous to families in need all across Western Massachusetts."
Simison said Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi has already said he plans to be part of the 2020 Toy for Joy effort.
"The sheriff has been a kind and generous supporter to Toy for Joy and the Salvation Army. He understands the mission of the campaign and knows it can make a difference in the lives of countless families," Simison said. "Likewise, the team at Pride Stores injected immeasurable kindness into our efforts."
Pride's $16,000 donation was a remarkable, combined effort from customers of the chain and the company itself.
Simison added that the support of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation to ensure each child receives a new book among the gifts has been unwavering. "Together with the Davis Foundation, we at The Republican understand how vital literacy is for the future of our communities. It is a gift that truly cannot be measured in dollars.
Toy for Joy was a collaborative effort by the Salvation Army in association with The Republican, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive. Media partners included Reminders Publishing and The Westfield News. Community partners are the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, Pride Stores and Hampden County Sheriff Cocchi's department. The Davis foundation provided funds to help ensure books were included for every child who receives gifts.
"We were able to give two toys and a book per child child, and every one of them was happy. We had a few extra bags distributed on our waiting list for those who didn't get to register,'' LaTaille said.
"We try to be conservative with our purchase of toys, but many people commented on the high quality of the toys. Even our volunteers noticed it. We were able to distribute items like headphones and perfumes for the older kids, and relevant games and toys for all the children."
Through the Sheriff's Department and other donations, the Salvation Army was able to distribute puzzles, board games and "some little extras" in the spirit of relevant gifts.
The reasons for donations were varied and touching. Many were in memory of loved ones. Others were an expression of appreciation for past kindnesses. One donor wanted to thank the Salvation Army for providing meals during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Businesses saw Toy for Joy as a meaningful way to give back to their communities. Many donors made anonymous gestures of generosity and goodwill.
All contributors shared the common purpose of bringing happiness to children at Christmas. As Toy for Joy approaches its 100th anniversary in 2022, the generosity of the region's residents and businesses has maintained this drive's place as a relevant, current and vibrant charity that brings smiles to thousands of deserving children at Christmas.
That's the most important goal of all. This year's sponsors thank every single individual, company or group that made it possible in 2019.
Here is the final list of contributions:
In memory of Ray and Phyllis Kupec $25
In memory of America, Felicia and TJ $100
With love and in memory of John, Mom and Dad $100
In memory of our parents from Michael and Marianne $100
In loving memory of John and Louise Day $25
Happy Christmas $50
In loving memory of Eugene P. O'Shea $100
In memory of Gramma Kay $25
Merry Christmas to all the children $20
With thanks to Salvation Army for meals in the 1930s $25
Hope and peace to all, NG $50
In memory of Marion Stein $15
In memory of our loving parents and deceased family $100
In memory of our parents Sotirios and Panagiota Vakakas and Joseph and Patricia Chicklowski and Uncle Charlie. Love always, Chuck and Georgia $25
For my parents and in-laws, the most generous people $50
Michele $100
In memory of Carolyn Zona $50
Ron and Barbara $20
Happy holidays and peace on Earth $100
In memory of John and Dianna Lazazzera and Leo Remillard $20
In memory of my husband Charlie of 71 years $1,000
In memory of our loved ones $125
Remembering Nicholas Baio from Mapleshade School, East Longmeadow $100
In loving memory of Hilda Nilson $20
In loving memory of my parents, John and Betty $25
In memory of Frank Aveyard, Nov. 7, 1993, and his wife, Mary Bonini Aveyard, Oct. 31, 2019, from their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and Jon and Julie $50
Jim and Ellen $25
For the kids $25
In honor of all the children of the world $25
In memory of Ethel and Stanley Cortis $25
In memory of Gene Brassard $25
Merry Christmas $20
In memory of Gene. Eileen, Eldon and Ruth. Rest in peace $100
Anonymous $25
Merry Christmas to family and friends from the Bombardier family $25
In memory of my Dad, the big man from Ballydavid, and my mom, the lady from Moorestown, Dingle County, Kerry, Ireland $10
From International Valve as a gift for Brian Tuohey of Collins Companies $100
Anonymous $10
Thank you St. Jude for your help, LB $20
In loving memory of Ginger, Missy and Tower. Love, ETA $25
Merry Christmas from Ana, Elena, Olivia and Katelyn $20
From Ken Ryan, given in part of the Classic Harvest giving program $200
In honor of St. Anthony, S. Joseph and S. Sharbel $25
Anonymous $25
In memory of my mother, Jean, from Pat $25
For the years I had little, so others will have more, sharing my many blessings $100
Martha $50
In loving memory of Philip J. and Edith M. Adamchek $50
Edward $50
Merry Christmas Peter, Chris, Bobby, and Erin $100
In memory of David Starr who made such a positive impact on our region, Carol A. Leary $500
Received $4,025
Total to date $129,030
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