In the News

SPRINGFIELD - US Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., has made donating to Toy for Joy an annual tradition.

“It’s the gold standard,” said the congressman who was once a paperboy for The Republican. “This is an outstanding effort that provides toys for children who are really in need.”

Toy for Joy is a collaborative effort between the Salvation Army, The Republican and MassLive. The charitable toy drive provides toys and books to children in need in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Its community partners include the Reading Success by 4th Grade Initiative of the Irene E. And George A. Davis Foundation and Pride Stores.

“It’s a terrific time of year and with an American economy that is doing fine - this is the 97th straight month of economic growth in the country and an unemployment rate that’s down to 3.7 percent - I think it calls upon us to do a bit extra," he said.

Neal’s $1,000 donation brings today’s list of donations to $4,729, which brings the total raised thus far to $40,554 leaving $109,446 to be raised by Christmas eve.

The partnership with the Reading Success by 4th Grade initiative is marking its second year, helping ensure there is a book for every child.

For the third year in a row, Pride Stores is rallying customers at its locations in Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut to help contribute to Toy for Joy. Customers can go into any Pride in the area and purchase a $1, $5 or $10 donation card for Toy for Joy.

To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01101. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon which accompanies this story to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through noon on Dec. 21. Online donations can be made here.