Annual program continues to fulfill holiday dreams

Date: 12/1/2008

By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD This holiday season may prove to be especially strenuous to families experiencing financial hardships due to the current economic crisis. The Commonwealth's Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development estimated that 7,000 jobs were lost in the Bay State in October.

For 24 years Hasbro Games has hosted its "Hasbro's Children's Giving Tree" and this year's campaign may be their best effort yet. On Nov. 25 Hasbro Games and its partners, the United Way of Pioneer Valley, the Salvation Army of the Greater Springfield Area and Rachel's Table, gathered at Eastfield Mall to decorate and kick-off the campaign.

Hasbro's Children's Giving Tree program provides toys, games and food over the holidays to underprivileged children in the Springfield area and encourages members of the community to get involved by performing Acts of Kindness. Deeds are written on Acts of Kindness slips and displayed on the tree like ornaments. Hasbro asks that community members bring non-perishable food items and messages about their Acts of Kindness. All food items will be donated to Rachel's Table.

"This is the 24th year and a very important year," Joanne Dernoga, United Way of Pioneer Valley vice president of community investment, said. "We appreciate Hasbro's generosity."

Major Thomas Perks of the Salvation Army of the Greater Springfield Area said, "It means that we will be able to make a difference in people's lives only because of the community. We recognize that together we can make a significant difference."

The Salvation Army has seen a 40 percent increase across the board of those in need of their services. Last year the organization provided toys to 15,000 children. Perks said the service increase brings significant concern.

Rachel's Table will deliver food to over 40 agencies and anticipates a busy holiday season.

"This is going to be an unprecedented time of need for the families in the Springfield area," Rachel's Table President Laura Katz said, adding that the mission of Rachel's Table is helping to alleviate stress on families. "We're thrilled to be involved."

Michael Niziolek, vice president and senior head of human resources at Hasbro Games, hopes that they outperform last year's giving -- 50,000 games and toys were distributed in Western Massachusetts.

"That's important to us," Niziolek said. "This is a way to give back to the local community. This is where our employees live. This year people recognize that more children may be in need. We're working with the United Way, the Salvation Army [and Rachel's Table] to make sure that we don't miss one child."

The Giving Tree program runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12. Acts of Kindness slips and food donations can be dropped off Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. at Eastfield Mall.