Hampden County Sheriff’s department partners with Toy for JoyDate: 12/26/2023 When Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas J. Cocchi pledged his office and staff’s partnership in the Toy for Joy campaign, he knew it would be far from a silent partnership.
The department has been a key and active community partner as the drive to give underprivileged children a happier Christmas with Toy for Joy’s $150,000 campaign goal in mind.
On Dec. 14, the Park Edge Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Springfield came with a $1,000 donation from the Hampden County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
“The Park Edge Christmas Tree lighting in Springfield has become one of my favorite holiday events around. Once the music hits and Santa gets dropped off by the Springfield Fire Department, it’s like a scene out of a Hallmark movie,” Cocchi said.
“And in that spirit, we proudly contribute to the Toy for Joy campaign, as it takes care of hundreds of families across the region this Christmas. It’s an honor to help support their good work.”
Toy for Joy is sponsored collaboratively by the Salvation Army, The Republican, Reminder Publishing, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive. Gifts were distributed at Salvation Army locations in Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee. This year’s campaign covers the costs of toys and books distributed over the past week.
The local chapter of the American Veterans in Prison group donated $1,400 from its Toy for Joy walk-a-thon, its largest donation yet.
“I am always inspired by the work our justice-involved veterans do to give back to the community while they are with us. They served for us all during their time in the military, and, through raising money for local children during the Toy for Joy campaign, they continue that service,” Cocchi said.
Another $5,000 comes from the Inmate Commissary Fund.
“We’re also proud to make this donation. Too many families are out there struggling to make ends meet, and it gets even harder this time of year. Toy for Joy directly helps those families and puts smiles on kid’s faces,” Cocchi said.
The cash donations were supported by the work of dozens of department staff members, who volunteered at the Salvation Army, helping organize and distribute books and toys from the Springfield citadel.
“I volunteer at the Salvation Army for Toy for Joy because I enjoy giving back to the community and seeing the smiles on the families’ faces when they pick up their gifts. This season is about giving back to others and helping those who need a little assistance,” said Angie Savageau, a program supervisor for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office.
While the Sheriff’s Department has contributed in many ways, Toy for Joy is truly a community effort. It helps children and families in need in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Each eligible child 16 and under received a high-quality toy and an age-appropriate book. Cash donations are the backbone of the drive, but other creative ways to help have also been found.
Jiggy’s Cafe in Enfield continued a 15-year tradition of supporting the drive by donating hundreds of gingerbread house kits and toys.
“The group at Jiggy’s and I have worked with the Salvation Army for years. The Salvation Army is a great beneficiary with our gifting program,” Jiggy’s spokesman Jeff Belkin said.
At La Cucina di Hampden House, a tradition of more than 25 years continued on Thursday when patrons who donated a new, unwrapped toy could order any entree on the menu for half price.
“It was fantastic. [It] went really well with a nice turnout,” said Rich DeMattie, spokesman for the restaurant in Hampden. “We want to thank the customers, for they made it a huge success. It’s Christmas time, and it’s all about the kids.”
The cash donations come from new supporters as well as long-time donors such as Jan and Bernadette Piepul, whose $500 contribution continued a family tradition. The family ran Piepul’s Camera Center in downtown Chicopee for more than 60 years before closing in 2015. Their generosity with Toy for Joy continues unabated.
Likewise, the Phelon family, of Westfield, continued their tradition of giving in memory of the late Mary Phelon, who died in 2018 at the age of 68, spent much of her life involved in 4-H and the Westfield Fair Association. The family this year donated $1,000 in her honor.
The coupon published with this story 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 SalvationArmyma.org/toyforjoydonation.
Here is the list of recent contributions:
- Remembering the Christmas truce of 1914. Repeatable???? from 1969 AMX $25
- Wife Susie, Ma, K., Dad, K., Ma, B., Dad, B., Chassie, Ragz, Shy, Sparky, Taste Tempter, Sparkle Tune $10
- For all the kids $100
- In memory of Thomas Gaudrault. Love, your friends and family. $600
- Merry Christmas kids $200
- In memory of Mom and Dad from Thomas $100
- In memory of Leanne Morrissey $20
- In loving memory of Leanne Morrissey whose favorite holiday was Christmas. $250
- Robert $25
- John $25
- In honor of the Butternut Walkers of Westfield $200
- In memory of Mary Ellen Kuzmeski, Andrew and Helen Brown, Jessie Brown, Jim Brown and David and Pat Brown $50
- Merry Christmas from Ann Marie, Brian and Sammie $100
- In loving memory of my mother, Gloria Malboeuf Boudah, and my brother, Gary Boudah, from Doreen and Roland Messier $50
- In honor of Edgar and Bertha Malboeuf from Doreen $50
- In loving memory of Rosaire and Rollande Messier from Roland and Doreen Messier $50
- Tracy $100
- In memory of Jeannie H. $50
- In honor of Ethan, Logan, Emilia, Wyatt, and Lucy from Nana and Dziadziu $100
- Filip $10
- In honor of Bentley Kikin $50
- In memory of Francis Martel $100
- Peter $150
- Merry Christmas to all the little ones from Rosemary and Richard $50
- In memory of my parents. Love, peace, hope and faith from Sue $20
- From Frank and Sue $100
- In loving memory of Craig who made life special $75
- Merry Christmas to our parents. We miss you very much, from Mark and Deb $100
- In loving memory of family who have passed on. Peace, from Stephanie and Michelle Pirsoni $50
- In memory of Glenn Peter Lacey, our angel, from Peter and Jill Lacey $50
- In memory of Maria R. Sadly missed by Mary and Laura $400
- In loving memory of Mike C., Ken M., and Jeff P. $75
- For peace on earth, from Diane $25
- Merry Christmas, from Keith and Joanne $50
- Merry Christmas to all the children from Linda $50
- In loving memory of A. Ronald Paquin and Joanne C. Paquin, from their daughter Sandy $100
- Lena and Dominic S. $100
- Merry Christmas from Hunter, Jackie, Rylee, Zoe, Amirah, Charlotte and Ben $35
- In loving memory of our grandparents, from Lisa and Mary $20
- Merry Christmas to all from Nancy $250
- In loving memory of our parents, Pat and Gary K. $25
- In memory of Madeline, love to dear friends $100
- To honor all our grandchildren, from Earl and Judith $75
- In loving memory to Paul, Dad, Charles, Jim and Wayne Christmas blessings to all children. Peace, love and joy, Charlotte $20
- In memory of my husband Bill and son David, from Evelyn $50
- In memory of Jean Ryan $25
- Anonymous $50
- My friends gone home, Lucy and Pepper $25
- In memory of our parents Bill and Peg, Frank and Helen $25
- In loving memory of Max A. Gen Roos and Gina and Anita Bacchiocchi $100
- In memory of Alfred, Elsie, Leonard, Jean and Mark $75
- In memory of Peter, Josephine, Joseph, Margaret and Michael $75
- In memorial for the Macri sisters, Carmela, Conchetta, Rose, Mary, Margaret - 1908-2021 $50
- Have a very merry Christmas, from Margaret $50
- In loving memory of John and Catherine Leahy who loved Christmas. Miss you, from your family $50
- May your blessings be many. Merry Christmas! $25
- In memory of deceased members of Leraci and Messier families. Love, Sue and Lou $25
- In memory of my parents Helen and Louis. Love, Buzz $20
- From Harold $25
- From Diane and Stephen $50
- In remembrance of Swanee, Whitey and Heavy Head $50
- In memory of Gramma Marion, with love from Gramma Sally $200
- From Mark and Ann $1,000
- In lieu of gifts to the Howe family. Merry Christmas from Grandson Jacot $75
- In memory of my husband Edward Jacot. Merry Christmas $50
- In memory of our son Tony “MOMO” Malone $200
- In memory of Phyllis and George W. Malone Jr. $150
- In memory of Annie and Elmer W. Porter Sr. $150
- May the children have a nice holiday from Lorraine $35
- In memory of Buster, Oreo, Missy, Pebbles and Shaina $25
- Merry Christmas from Jim and Sally $50
- From Mark $250
- In loving memory of Bill and Theresa Chadwick $100
- Merry Christmas. Love, Angelia $20
- Merry Christmas, Bill $200
- Merry Christmas, Barry and Danny $200
- Merry Christmas Mom and Dad $200
- In memory of “Freddie Mac” $50
- In loving memory of our parents, from Carl and Patty $50
- In memory of Theresa DiRico $50.
- In memory of Ernie, who loved Christmas, and his family, Patty, Jill, Sherry, Dawn, Charlotte, Cal, Emmy, Bennett, Joey and Shaun. $100
- For Sy Becker. We’ll miss you old buddy. $20
- Blessings and peace for all, from Janet $30
- In memory of Rev. Tim Carlton. He loved children $20
- Hoping your dreams come true from Christine $40
- In memory of Kathleen “Mimi” O’Brien who loved Christmas and all children, with love from her grandchildren McKenna, Casey, Gracie, Hannah, Maggie and Kerry (the Tank) $1,000
- In memory of our parents Harry and Alice $25
- In honor of Grandkids Zoe, Max, Luma and Jordan $40
- In memory of John Scagliarini who loved Christmas $100
- From Liam, Dillon, Danica, Bryan and Michael $50
- In loving memory of Dad, Mom, Brother Gary and Auntie T. $30
- In honor of our six grandchildren at Christmas, from Connie and Bob $50
- In loving memory of my beloved husband, Edward Haryasz. Love always, Marilyn $50
- In loving memory of Walter and Amelia Haryasz, daughter-in-law, Marilyn $25
- In loving memory of my parents, Stanley and Stella Borowik, from daughter, Marilyn $25
- In memory of Raymond Besko, from wife Mary $20
- In loving memory of Joseph Morrison from Pam, Sue and Peter $100
- On behalf of Cindy Gray in honor of Donna Andre $50.
- In loving memory of John D. O’Neil, Sr., Mary O’Neil, Lucy O’Neil and Yvonne Nelson. Merry Christmas $25
- In loving memory of Sheila O’Neil-Ryan, John D. O’Neil, Jr. and Kevin and Kathleen O’Neil. Merry Christmas $25
- Merry Christmas Jackson and Charlotte. Love Mommy and Papa Bob $25
- In loving memory of Ann Marie Martin, Dec. 17, 1966 - Aug. 22, 1979. Love, Mom, Dad, Terry and John $25
- In loving memory of Eileen Martin Carvalho, Aug. 6, 1965 - Nov. 29, 2023. Love Mom, Dad, Terry and John $25
- In memory of my Dad who honored his parents every year from Judy $25
- Merry Christmas in heaven to Vo-Vo Lilly, Vo-Vo Binda and Vo-Vo Joe from Cole and Ava $25
- God bless our military men and women and law enforcement men and women $100
- In memory of our angel Dad and Grampa Tom $50
- In memory of Nick, Samantha and baby DeFeo, Granny and Granpa $100
- In memory of Mae Egan $10
- Merry Christmas Wally and Jeff. Love, Joyce $50
- Merry Christmas to all from Ryan, Lauryn, Rachel and Ashley $25
- In memory of Ida Shea and Rita Maruca with love from George and Karen Shea $150
- Anonymous $30
- Charles and Mary $25
- In memory of Richie who loved kids and Christmas $75
- In memory of our loved ones from Linn and Fred $25
- In memory of my Dad, Walter Lysick $50
- In memory of my father Thomas and my sister Elizabeth $50
- In memory of Manya, Estelle, Marion and Bev, love Jeri, Judi, Kelly, Natalie, Patty, Teri and Susie $64
- McNeill Heating wishes all a happy and safe holiday season $125
- In memory of Laura Chimelis who loved all children $1,000
Received $11,889
Total to date $61,119
Still needed $88,881
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