There’s thought behind every Toy for Joy gift as generosity abounds: Viewpoint
Updated Jan 03, 2021;
As I wrapped gifts for my two grandnieces, Ellie and Alba, I remembered back to my own childhood when Christmas mornings – and the nights before – were filled with joy.
The tradition at our house was that my brother and I could open one gift on Christmas eve. Somehow, it often wound up being a gift from our wonderful aunt Barbara. As I reflected, I tumbled to the idea that those gifts would be as much a surprise for my parents as us kids since they had no idea what they would be.
Public’s generosity helps Toy for Joy surpass goal
Updated Jan 03, 2021;
Posted Jan 03, 2021
Don Alexander, a volunteer from Veterans Inc., carries a box to a waiting car as distribution of Toy for Joy gift boxes begins at the Salvation Army Springfield Citadel last month. (Don Treeger / The Republican file photo)
Facebook Share
SPRINGFIELD Children throughout three counties had a merry Christmas because the public showed its generosity at the end of an especially difficult year.
Are good people out there? There are many, many such people and they made the 2020 Toy for Joy campaign a success.
Toy for Joy is a cooperative effort by the Salvation Army with The Republican, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive to distribute gifts to families in need in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Minimum wage hike, Family and Medical Leave Act take effect Jan. 1; here’s what businesses and workers say it means to them
Updated Dec 28, 2020;
Posted Dec 28, 2020
Jeremiah Micka holds a remote ordering machine at Union Station in Northampton, Dec. 8, 2020. (Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican)
Facebook Share
NORTHAMPTON Jeremiah Micka has been dealing with a lot lately.
Like many, the owner of the Union Station complex in Northampton which includes the Tunnel Bar, the Roosevelt Room banquet facility, the Platform Sports Bar and a patio bar called The Deck has struggled to keep his business afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the new year, he and his fellow business owners will get even more on their plates.
Hampden County Sheriff’s Department continues support of Toy for Joy
Updated Dec 20, 2020;
Posted Dec 20, 2020
The Hampden County Sheriff s Department is making a $5,000 donation to the 2020 Toy for Joy campaign. From left are Officer Bryant Corcoran, Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Cpl. Alex Martinez and Cpl. Nick Bustamante. (Mark M. Murray / Hampden County Sheriff s Department)
Facebook Share
LUDLOW For Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and his staff, Christmastime is always a bright spot in what can be a difficult job.
This year, with the coronavirus pandemic making it difficult to host toy drives and have Christmas parties, the sheriff’s department has been encouraging its community supporters to donate money to Toy for Joy, highlighting how it helps families during these difficult times.
Toy for Joy distribution planned in Greenfield as Christmas approaches
Updated Dec 19, 2020;
Posted Dec 19, 2020
Lt. Emily Leslie, who heads up the Greenfield office of the Salvation Army, takes a selfie with Toy for Joy gift packages set to be distributed Monday and Tuesday.
Facebook Share
GREENFIELD Many people will spend the next few days doing some last-minute shopping and preparing for Christmas celebrations.
The Greenfield branch of the Salvation Army will spend several days distributing toys and gifts to families in need as part of the Toy for Joy campaign.
“We are serving 150 families this year,” said Lt. Emily Leslie, who heads the Greenfield branch of the Salvation Army in Greenfield with her husband, Lt. Paul Leslie.