Hasbro, Inc. has joined Toy for Joy as a partner.
SPRINGFIELD – Toy for Joy registration begins in earnest next week at Salvation Army units in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
This marks the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign; jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, the campaign is working to raise $150,000 by Christmas eve to bring toys and gifts to children in need this holiday season.
Hasbro, Inc. is joining Toy for Joy as a partner, providing some of the toys which will be distributed. Hasbro has a long history of helping families in Western Massachusetts during the holidays and this year is no different.
The Greater Springfield Salvation Army Citadel at 170 Pearl St., will accept registrations weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning on Monday. Registration dates and times elsewhere vary from unit to unit.
At the Westfield Service Center, 12 Arnold St., registration is already underway and will continue on weekdays through Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon.
More than 300 Greater Westfield families, representing nearly 740 children, had registered already as of Tuesday, according to Gail P. LaGasse, director of the Westfield service unit.
“We have been going strong,” said LaGasse, adding that the need this year appears to be even stronger than last year. “I think recession always takes a toll but this seems to be hanging in,” she said.
The growing need is underscored by the Westfield unit’s Thanksgiving turkey drive which this year is serving more than 340 families, LaGasse said.
By teaming with the Toy for Joy campaign, Hasbro, The Republican and the Salvation Army bring over 100 combined years of experience managing programs that help families in need give their children a toy or game to unwrap on their holiday.
Hasbro employees will also be among the volunteers who aid the Salvation Army with registration of families and with distribution of the toys and gifts. For more information, call (413) 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 23.