Parents unable to find work during COVID pandemic struggle to provide a magical Christmas this year
Updated Dec 21, 2020;
Posted Dec 21, 2020
Carly s master s degree hangs on the wall of her office. Although her hours have been cut in half, Carly sent her daughter to her parents home because she is too high risk after 17 heart surgeries. (Douglas Hook / MassLive)
Facebook Share
Three years ago, Carly Brownell’s teenage daughter was in critical condition and almost died.
The now 19-year-old has been through 17 open heart surgeries, among other health problems. Every birthday, Christmas and milestone aren’t guaranteed, something even more apparent during the COVID pandemic.
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.
Davis Foundation unites with Toy for Joy to promote literacy, with books among gifts
Updated Dec 13, 2020;
Posted Dec 13, 2020
11/12/2020 -Springfield- Danielle LaTaille, social services director for the Salvation Army Citadel, holds one of the books included in the Christmas in a Box that will be distributed to needy families this year. (Don Treeger / The Republican)
Facebook Share
Every family in Western Massachusetts that receives gifts from Toy for Joy this year will also receive a book to read with their children.
The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation has sponsored the purchase of the books for many years now, and this year is no exception.
Springfield completes first week of Toy for Joy distribution, continues to see great need
Updated Dec 13, 2020;
Posted Dec 13, 2020
12/10/2020 -Springfield- Volunteers load boxes for waiting cars as distribution of the Salvation Army s Toy for Joy campaign has begun at their Pearl Street headquarters. (Don Treeger / The Republican)
Facebook Share
SPRINGFIELD For the first time in its 98-year history, the Toy for Joy campaign this year switched to online registration and contactless distribution because of COVID-19.
“We had to think about how best to serve our families while keeping our staff safe as well,” said Danielle LaTaille, social services director for the Salvation Army Citadel in Springfield.