Town Hall hosts Toys for Tots collection drive

Date: 12/5/2014

AGAWAM – The Agawam Town Hall will host its Toys for Tots toy drive on Dec. 17 for the second year in a row. The drive is part of the ABC 40 Force, which has the channel team up with communities to support a charity of their choice.

Mayor Richard Cohen has selected Toys for Tots again as Agawam’s charity. He said that it is an organization most people can identify and a cause that everyone can get behind.

“It’s nationally recognized, people know what it is and they certainly understand what their mission is,” Cohen said. “Their mission is to make sure that children who are underprivileged or in need are able to celebrate Christmas like those who are more fortunate.”

Cohen said that he has some help coming in the day of the event. Members of the Springfield Falcons will be signing autographs, the Young Marines will help collect and distribute toys, the Fire Department will be there with a fire truck and characters from Six Flags will also be chipping in.

He even said Mr. and Mrs. Claus have been asked to stop by, if they can fit it into their busy schedule.

This, Cohen said, provides a chance for Agawam residents to come together for a common cause.

“What we’re trying to do is get the whole community involved to really get into the spirit of Christmas,” Cohen said. “While it’s very nice to receive, it’s greater to give back.”

In 2013, Agawam gave back in grand fashion, donating 4,000 toys to the cause. Cohen said that he is grateful for any amount that the town is able to raise but also added that it would be nice to surpass the previous total.

“I invite everybody to please come out and join us and make this the success that it was last year and open up their hearts. If everybody in town donated one toy, it’d be a blessing,” Cohen said. “Let’s help them so on Christmas when they wake up, there’s gift under the tree and they can open it and smile and know that Santa was at their house too.”

Unused and unopened toys will be excepted at the drop-off box in the Town Hall lobby. All are welcome to join Cohen, his special guests and the ABC 40 Force on Dec. 17 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.