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Date: 11/9/2021
EASTHAMPTON – Registrations have begun for the Mayor’s annual Toy Fund. The Toy Fund began in 1993 under a different name. “The toy fund started as the John Chmura Adopt-A-Toy program. He was Easthampton Town Administrator from Feb. 1, 1993, to Aug. 5, 1995,” said City Clerk Barbara LaBombard.
In an Annual Town Report from 1995, it says of Chmura, “He dedicated himself to the community. In fact, one of the greatest rewards of John’s existence was his professional life. In earnest, John Chmura pushed to complete work with the Select Board within days of his death. Easthampton remembers his presence with the John Chmura Adopt-A-Toy program.”
Now the Mayor’s Toy Fund continues its holiday tradition by providing toys and books to Easthampton residents 12 years of age and younger. Municipal Clerk Lindsi Mailler explained that the Toy Fund serves many kids in the Easthampton community.
“We anticipate about 160 to 195 kids each year,” she said.
This year in particular, Mailler believes they’ll see a greater need than previous years due to the aftermath of the pandemic.
“Families are still recovering from the impacts of the Covid [-19] pandemic and I’m thankful we are able to run the program again this year,” Mailler said.
They’ve yet to pick a distribution date, but Mailler indicated it would be some time in December. “It’ll likely be the second weekend in December. We reach out directly to parents when we pick the date,” said Mailler.
Parents can register for the program through Nov. 26. Mailler explained community members can also get involved through donations.
“Donations are accepted in cash or checks made out to the city of Easthampton with subject ‘toy fund,’” she said.
For more information regarding the Toy Fund, email toyfund@easthamptonma.gov.