A Ludlow woman recalled her mother and grandmother in giving $250 to the Toy for Joy fund.
SPRINGFIELD – Deborah A. Miele of Ludlow says her mother’s memory has prompted her to give to the Toy for Joy fund every year since her death six years ago.
“My mom always tried to give us at least one thing we really wanted for Christmas,” she said of the late Elsbeth M. Costa. “That is what I would like every child to have.”
Miele gave a check of $250 written on her account with her husband, Antonio A. Miele Jr.
She recalled that shortly after the Depression her grandmother secretly took $20 from money that her mother had saved from her paper route in order to buy Christmas presents for her and her brother and sister.
Miele recalled that her grandmother said her mother would not miss the money, but her children would miss not getting any Christmas presents.
“I don’t think any child should wake up disappointed on Christmas Day. Every child should have something from Santa if they believe in him,” Miele said.
As of today, generous-hearted Pioneer Valley residents and businesses have donated a total of $5,860 to the Toy for Joy Fund, which provides holiday presents to needy children in the region.
Donations calculated for Sunday totaled $880, with the Mieles being the most generous givers. That leaves the fund with $144,140 still needed to reach this year’s goal of $150,000.
Toy for Joy is sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican. It pays for holiday gifts for children in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. This holiday season marks the second year in a row Hasbro Inc. has joined in the effort. The East Longmeadow company will donate a portion of the toys as well as provide help distributing the them.
Salvation Army chapters in Springfield, Greenfield, Holyoke, Northampton and Westfield are taking part in this year’s program.
For more information, call 733-7581. 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 at The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. until Dec. 21.
Here’s a list of the latest contributors:
- In memory of Bronishaw and Josephine Kasperek and Romeo and Priscilla Martin, $20
- In loving memory of my parents George and Helen Liptak, $50
- Merry Christmas all from Joan and Bob, $50
- In memory of Annette Lortie and Christina Beshaw, $100
- From Bob and Josie, $100
- In honor of grandchildren Sarah, Parker and Alex from GMA and GPA, $20
- Paul and Victoria, $25
- Benjamin and Thomas, $50
- In honor of our grandchildren Sophie and Stella from Papa and GMA, $20
- In loving memory of Tara, Colleen and Todd, $100
- Mr. and Mrs. Miele, $250
- In memory of Casey, Bisnette and Noel families, $20
- In memory of Philip Mirarchi, Rose, Hugo and Roger Sedran, $50
- From a couple of cute canines, $25
RECEIVED: $880
TOTAL TO DATE: $5,860
STILL NEEDED: $144,140