But it's not too late. The final days of the 2024 Toy for Joy drive are here, but donations made or sent by Tuesday's Christmas Eve deadline count just as much and will make deserving children just as happy this holiday season.
The campaign desperately needs a late surge. A coupon published with Toy for Joy stories may be used to submit a contribution by mail to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. Donations sent and received by mail after Christmas will be accepted.
Donors can also make online contributions at https://give.salvationarmy.org/give/212002/#!/donation/checkout.
The children and families of the region are counting on the support of their neighbors, businesses and organizations -- even and perhaps especially in these final days before Christmas. Contributions in the final days will make the difference for children who might otherwise be left out of the joy of receiving toys or books for Christmas, due to circumstances totally out of their control.
The Springfield citadel of the Salvation Army, which sponsors the Toy for Joy campaign, will serve about 1,600 families and between 3,500 and 4,000 children. Citadels in Holyoke and Greenfield are also serving the area's children.
The final Toy for Joy campaign figures, and the final list of donors, will run in print and online on or around New Year's Day.
Generous response has come from many sources. One poignant donation of $270 was in honor and memory of the 27 students and teachers killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre in Newtown, Conn.
The local chapter of American Veterans in Prison again came through. Organized through the Hampden County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), this group has been donating to Toy for Joy for 22 years.
This year, they donated an all-time high of $1,645. The money was raised through a walk-a-thon and letter writing.
"We looked into this many years ago. All of us wanted to see what the veterans could do to help other veterans and also the community," program consultant Bill Toller said.
"This group remains really committed to giving back."
The 5-kilometer walk around the gym generated support and donations for the cause. Toller made sure to walk with the veterans.
Toller also praised the connection with Soldier On, a nonprofit located in Pittsfield and the Leeds section of Northampton section and dedicated to ending homelessness among veterans.
"There is quite a bit of networking going on, and a lot of generosity is shown. For me, seeing the group do this is very inspiring," Toller said.
Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi agreed.
"I am continually inspired by the dedication of our justice-involved veterans to give back to the community," Cocchi said.
"They served our country in uniform, and through this walk-a-thon, they continue their commitment by helping local children have a brighter Christmas."
The Connecticut Valley Artesian Well Company showed its usual Christmas spirit with a $300 donation. And one generous $1,000 donation was simply sent by "Anonymous."
Now in its 102nd year, Toy for Joy has again been sponsored by the Salvation Army, whose locations in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield have been distributing gifts to deserving children in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Toy for Joy is promoted and advertised by The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. All contributions, including those received in the days after the deadline, will be recognized and published in The Republican and Reminder Publications, and online by MassLive.com.