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Toy for Joy donations continue to pour in past holiday

Date: 1/9/2024

Showing his generosity to the community comes naturally for Jack Sarat.
Getting him to take any credit for it — well, that’s another story for this modest, altruistic man.

“Certainly, Christmas is a time to be thankful for what we have, and to help others who are not so fortunate,” the owner of Sarat Ford Lincoln in Agawam said. “If you can offer that help, why not do it?”

Sarat’s humble, unassuming nature underscores that for so many generous supporters of the annual Toy for Joy Christmas campaign, the gift is in the giving.

Sarat Ford Lincoln’s $10,000 donation to Toy for Joy was nonetheless substantially more than even its generous donations of past years, and will go directly to help and support the region’s children most in need.

Along with the humanity and Christmas spirit shown by so many others, the gift helped push the campaign drive over the $100,000 mark for its 101st year. While still short of the $150,000 goal, the total raised reached $106,745.

“We are grateful to Mr. Sarat for his continuing support of Toy for Joy, especially this year when the campaign faced many challenges, not the least of which was the economy,” said Cynthia G. Simison, executive editor emerita for The Republican. “He joins so many other donors who each year help to ensure toys and books are there for children across Western Massachusetts whose families might otherwise not have a merry Christmas.”

The 2023 drive, as with others before it and those to follow, served needy children age 16 and younger in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Each child receives an age-appropriate toy and a book, and despite a higher demand than ever — which caused the Springfield citadel of the Salvation Army to reopen registration for one day in late December — every eligible applicant was served.

All of the funds collected in this campaign went to cover the costs of gifts distributed this year. It is hoped that funds collected in excess of previous years’ campaign goals will cover the shortfall.

“This is for the children. It’s an excellent way for those of us who can help to say ‘thank you’ to the community,” Jack Sarat said in making his donation.

Other individuals and companies rallied to the cause of children and Christmas, as they do every year. The law offices of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy contributed $1,080 and by doing so, accomplished a dual purpose. They supported the area’s children while also honoring the legacy of Robin Morris, a legal assistant and paralegal who passed away from cancer in 2020. Over nearly a quarter of a century, the Springfield law firm has contributed more than $50,000 to Toy for Joy while keeping alive the memory of a valued and beloved associate.

Those at the law offices of Mark E. Salomone also had the children in their hearts. A donation of $1,060 went to this worthy cause.

Donations of all sizes helped the campaign, and came from many sources. School Superintendent Eric Duda and the Pathfinder Regional School Committee in Palmer gave $345 to the children. Their gift continues a tradition begun years ago by superintendent Gerald Paist, who retired in 2021.

Another contribution of $500 came this week and was simply signed “Brenda.” Many such donations are done, often anonymously, and all of them help.

Toy for Joy is sponsored collaboratively by the Salvation Army, The Republican, Reminder Publishing, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive. The 2024 drive will be the 102nd in the campaign’s history and will coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Springfield Republican.

Any contributions received after Jan. 1 will still go to cover the costs of this year’s toys and books and will be acknowledged in the first list of donations for next year’s campaign.

The final list of donations until next year:

Merry Christmas Gramma and Poppa, we love you, Emily, Owen, Sam, Alex, Brayden, Liam, Eli and Lennon $10
Happy Birthday Mom, Gramma and Great-Gramma, enjoy your day on the 27th, from all of us $10
In honor of my grandsons Brayden, Liam and Eli, thanks for bringing so much joy into all of our lives $5
Happy holidays from the Hampden County Jail Inmates Commissary Fund $5,000
Happy holidays from the Hampden County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association and Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi $1,000
Happy holidays from Smithfield $1,749
Laughing all the way as we help him load the sleigh, then he’s off and away to make merry for all on Christmas day, from Agawam $272
Have a merry Christmas from Fernando $50
In memory of the Polimeni-Schiavone Families $25
In memory of the Minniti-DeDomenico Families $25
In loving memory of our parents “Bucky” and Anita Allen and brother Gary from Gordie, Patti and Greg $100
God bless the children from Tom $20
In memory of Michael Cooley $36
God bless the children from the Fentons $100
In memory of Pops and Grandma and Papa and Nana. Love, Chris & Katie $25
In memory of Murphy, a much loved dog. $25
From Helen $100
Merry Christmas from Rachel Likover and Scott DeWolski $100
From Robert $100
Blessings, love and joy from Ron and Barbara $25
The Sbalbi, Visconti, Rudgy and Prentiss families. Merry Christmas $50
In loving memory of granddaughter Olivia Ross from Grammy and Grampy $75
In memory of Charlie and Sue Harris $20
Erik and Diane $50
Amy $50
In memory of Valerie Albano $60
The Jackson Family $100
In loving memory of my parents Joan and Kip, P.H. $50
Grateful for my many blessings, P.H. $50
In memory of Margaret and Andrew Parsons. Merry Christmas $25
Merry Christmas, happy new year and peace on Earth, TJ $25
In memory of Vo’ Lourdes & Vo’ Lina. Love, Noah, Camila, Lana, Jonas and Hanna $100
In memory of Tio Nelson. Love, Brian, Colleen, Mathew and Melissa $100
Merry Christmas from Jean and Paul $25
Have a good diggin’ Christmas from Gabby Hayes $25
In memory of the Hopkins, Horaceks and Rossi Families $100
From Vusi, J9 and Zyna $50
Merry Christmas to the residents of Springfield $100
Thank you St. Jude for always listening. DC $25
In loving memory of Hilda Nilson $25
In memory of Rose, Tom, Tom Jr. and Jon $50
All children need a merry Christmas, from Nancy $50
In memory of Leslie Fogg $50
Happy holidays from the Kasper Family $250
Merry Christmas from Finn $30
Thankful for all my blessings, from Yvette $20
Merry Christmas from Barbara and John $50
In loving memory: Shea, Bewsee and Denno Family Members $50
From Rckha and Naucen $25
In memory of Suki, Beucke, the Christmas puppy $20
The Golden Age Club Chapter I. Enjoy $100
Anonymous from Longmeadow $150
In loving memory of Samuel and Caroline Gledhill. They loved Christmas and all children. $10
In loving memory of Michael Quinliban $10
In loving memory of Michael Lynch $10
In loving memory of Mary Stilwell, Louise Beachell-Barbara Neary & Kathy Darcy. Good friends are a precious gift. $10
Happy holidays from AFSCME Local 17 $50
In memory of our founder Bob Horacek from Prime-Line Marketing $100
In memory of James A. Fletcher and Joseph E. Marinello from Fletcher Sewer and Drain, Inc. $200
In memory of Larry Cavanaugh from Holyoke from family $50
Mackie 42 $100
In memory of Raymond and Patricia Kennedy from RAK $45
In memory of Ena Flynn, Biran Fontaine and Claire Cook from RAK $45
In memory of Kathy and Al Fortin from RAK $45
4 deceased family friends and pets 2 $250
Merry Christmas from Merle $25
For the kids with less $25
In memory of Ma and Dad, Big John,Ellisha and my husband Dan $50
Happy 69th anniversary to Faye and Mario $50
In memory of Aurora Lily Gabrenas. Love, Nana and Grandpa $25
In memory of Joseph F., Claire E. and 1st Lt. Michael P. Austin from Valley Farm $50
In memory of Natala Keefe from the Picky McQuade family $50
In memory of James and Mary McAleer $25
In memory of Joe Leahy from wife Elieen and family $25
In memory of Dan and Rita Manning from their family $25
In memory of Maurice and Kathleen Murphy from their family $25
In memory of Christy and Elizabeth Karr from their family $25
In honor of George Ditomassi $1,000
Remembering Ed and Jane Gruszka and the members of the Bednarz-Gruszka families $250
In loving memory of William Manegre who passed away in 1974 and Catherine Manegre who passed away in 2019. Sadly missed by daughter JoAnne, son-in-law Walter, grandson Robert and granddaughter Staunzy $1
In loving memory of John and Mary Ganley. Sadly missed by granddaughter JoAnne Gould $10
In memory of Basil and Eleanor Gould from Walter and Joanne Gould $3
In memory of Grandpa and Grandma Gould from Robert Gould $3
In memory of Walter and Bertha Edwards from grandson Walter Gould $3
In memory of Charles and Helen Edwards from nephew Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Joe and Mary Dillon from nephew Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Richard (Water Wheel) Savoy from the Gould family $3
In memory of Robin Fleming from the Gould family $3
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Fleming from the Gould family $3
In memory of Ken Fleming from the Gould family $3
In memory of our dogs, Buddy, Princess, Toby and Sandy girl from the Gould family $3
In memory of Benny and Peggy Bonavita from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of our neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. H. Hawley from the Gould family $3
In memory of our neighbor Stan, from the Gould family $3
In memory of our neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Kwist from the Gould family $3
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. George Pelletier from the Gould family $3
In memory of my pal, Josie from Robert Gould $3
In memory of Mary and Jerry Langone from the Gould family $3
In memory of Jay (Langone) and Randy Rewis from the Gould family $3
In memory of Jim Maher from Walter Gould $3
In memory of Harry Gallerani from the Gould family $3
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. O’Diorne from the Gould family $3
In memory of Grandpa Larosa from Robert Gould $3
In memory of our friend, Anthony Larosa from Joanne and Walter Gould $3
In memory of our neighbor, Fred Kelleher from the Gould family $3
In memory of Aunt Gerry and Uncle Paul, Uncle John and Aunt June and Aunt Ruth and Aunt Margaret from Joanne Gould and family $3
In memory of Ciro Langone and brother Jimmy Langone from the Gould family $3
Happy holidays to all our friends from the Gould family $3
To the staff at Tony’s Barber shop in Springfield’s South End: Merry Christmas from Walter and Robert Gould $3
In memory of Brian O’Diorne, from the Gould family $3
In memory of retired Springfield Police Officer Mike J. Ristaino and Irene Ristaino from the Gould family $3
In memory of Preston, no longer by our side, forever in our hearts from Mom, Dad, Robert and Staunzy $3
In memory of our good friend Jennie McAlpine, her mother Josephine Szczepanek and brother Matt from the Gould family $3
In memory of Antonette Pepe from the Gould family $3
Thank you Eastfield Hospital for animals from the Gould and family $3
In memory of Bill Lapardo from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Stenta from the Gould family $3
In memory of Shirley Nichols from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Mike and George Pelletier from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Jason Kenyon and his father Mark Kenyon from Walter Gould and family $3
To our grand dog Cooper from Grandma and Grandpa Gould $3
In memory of Jack Wojcik and his son David from the Gould family $3
In memory of Mrs. Crinella from the Gould family $3
In memory of Julio Nozzolillo from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Alex Velez from Walter, JoAnne Gould and family $3
In memory of Mike Tirozzi from Walter (Water Wheel) Gould and family $3
In memory of Barbara Thomas from Walter Gould and family $3
In memory of Joe Mineo, from Walter (Water Wheel) Gould and family $3
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Corbeil Sr., from the Gould family $3
To all my co-workers, friends and customers at Red Rose Pizzeria $3
Thank you St Jude for your intercessions, Billy G. and Dottles $10
Remembering Paul Meunier - the best Santa ever from the Meunier family $200
Agawam Junior High $240
In honor of little Mae, given on behalf of our grandchildren. Merry Christmas! Love, Gram and Dzia $100
Happy Birthday Jesus $100
In memory of Florence and Cosimo Mercurio $50
In memory of Santa and Donato Breda $50
In memory of Rita and Arthur McKenna $50
Katy $100
Judith $25
Thomas L. $100
In memory of Richard and Joan Briggs $100
Ellen $200
In loving memory of Lorraine N. Reusch from Theo and Vanessa. $250
In loving memory of Helen M. Hurley from Theo and Vanessa. $250
From the Bill and Kathy Barz $130
Katherine $25.
Sandra $25
Sandra $100
In memory of my mom Dottie Robidoux. Merry Christmas $100
In memory of Ryan Gilrein $50
Molly $30
Jean $25
Thomas $35
In memory of Harold (Drahma) Dukes, defender and protector of children, from Russell $25
In loving memory of our nephew Tony Caracciolo. Love, Aunt Sandy and Uncle John $50
Wishing children here and around the world peace and freedom from hunger $100
In loving memory of Vincenzo and Rosemarie Penna from son Vinny $25
Rory $100
Jeffrey $50
Ryan $25
Brennen $25
Aidan $50
Merry Christmas, Trish and Bob Griffiths $100
Happy holidays to all from Steve and Madeline $100
For our granddaughter Abigail. Merry Christmas, Michael and Maryellen Klein $100
Linda $100
Happy holidays and best wishes for love, peace and happiness $20
In memory of Marcie Williams $25
Thankful for the blessing of wonderful neighbors $25
In honor of Brendan Conroy, Merry Christmas $50
Anonymous $300
In thanksgiving for recovery of health problems in the family. Merry Christmas $25
Bob and Roberta $1,000
Matching contributions from The Republican employees $2,700
For Ellie Grace $75
For Alba $75
For Dennis, a true friend $50
For Richard C. Garvey, editor and mentor $50
For Nemo and the Boston Red Sox. Believe $50
With gratitude for Tracey, the Toy for Joy angel $50
Happy holidays from Sarat Ford Lincoln, Agawam $10,000
In memory of Kamari B. Williams $200
From the Committee to Elect Bud L. Williams $250
In honor of Sasha and Tobey $20
Merry Christmas from Dolores $25
Anonymous $4
Anonymous $20
In memory of Lori Bernier from the Bernier Family $50
In memory of Mom, Dad, Suzy and Stubby from Ray $100
Merry Christmas to Christoper L. $50
In remembrance of Barbara, who made the holidays special, from Joanne $20
In memory of Rosemary from Francis $25
From Margaret $50
In thanksgiving for my countless blessings from Anne Marie $20
Merry Christmas and happy new year from Rick and Jackie $25
In memory of my Mom and Dad. Merry Christmas from Paul $20
Merry Christmas from Cameron, Brianna, Kayla, Maxwell, Ashlee and Madison Carlin $30
In memory of Jack and Jean Bishop $50
In loving memory of my parents Bud and Ruth and my husband John from Gail $25
Happy holidays from Michael and Mary $25
Superintendent Eric Duda and Pathfinder Regional School Committee “For the children” $345
In loving memory of our mother McC5 $100
Merry Christmas kids from the Sheehan girls $100
For the blessings of our grandchildren Chloe, Tyler, Jake, Emily and Paige $100
From Christine $60
Happy Christmas from Lyndsay $50
No child should be without a gift on Christmas, from Donna $25
In loving memory of Frankel and Pelletier family members $100
In memory of my parents Hazel and Joe Phillips of Suffield $20
In loving memory of friends who passed away this year from Ken & Marie $25
In memory of Carm and Rose Raschilla $20
In loving memory of Eugene O’Shea and Sally O’Shea, hugs and kisses $200
In memory of Doris, David and Steven Graci $20
From our grandkids $15
Merry Christmas. Love, Reis, Will, Hunter, Henry and Charlie $150
In memory of Carol, Kim, Kerrie, Darlene $100
From Mary Beth $25
Rest in Peace, Merry Christmas Eldon, Ruth, Gene and Eileen $100
Merry Christmas from Brian and Mary Ann $100
In thankfulness for all our blessings from Marie and Bob $100
In memory of our grandson Robbie $20
In memory of Tom Simonds. Merry Christmas $100
In loving memory of my classmates, Carol, Stan, Roland, Shirley and Pat P., from Joanns ‘53. $30
For our blessed old and young who are very special, from Michael $50
In memory of John and Billy O’Donnell $25
In memory of Thomas and Jane O’Donnell $25
From Zane $25
Merry Christmas from my grandkids Mya, Kayla, Alexa, Riley and Gavin $125
Memory of Gramma Kay $25
Happy holidays to all from Tom D. Fielding $50
In memory of our friend and colleague, Robin Morris, and all members of the Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy family we carry in our hearts. $1,080
In memory of Inge and Ed Mahlo $25
Chester $50
Good luck to children amd peace and justice to all $250
Denise $30
From the law offices of Mark E. Salomone $1,060
Mary $50
Remembering family and friends past and present at Christmas. $180
In memory of Thomas and Noreen McMahon $50
Kathlyn $25
Merry Christmas $100
In loving memory of our parents: Herb and Connie and Gus and Claire $100
Jennifer $50
Brianne $50
Anne and Peter $50
Richard $100
Katrina $25
Brian $25
In memory of Alice and Bill Roberts $50
In memory of Robert Donnellan $25
In memory of Tommy Julian $50
Brenda $500
Merry Christmas $50
From my amazing five grandchildren, Merry Christmas! $250
Laurene $100
Steve $100
Marion $50
Good will on earth, peace for all. $100
In memory of my loving husband, Alexander J. Begg Jr. The girls and I all love and miss you very much
Love, Karen $25
Merry Christmas and best of the new year $100
In memory of the Savoia and Trombly families $100

Total $106,745

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