AMHERST — Amherst realtor Nancy Hamel’s neighbor, Greta Neunder, annually set up at New York City’s Christmas Market in Central Park, selling hand-painted cards, ornaments and other art for the holiday season.
Moving to Amherst following the passing of her mother, Neunder no longer has a booth at the fair, but Hamel suggested to her that friends and neighbors might enjoy the opportunity to acquire her art. Hamel then hosted a party at her home for the artist, where 20 people shopped from Neunder’s three decorated trees and other displays.
“Her art will now grace many local people’s trees and homes,” Hamel said.
In turn, Hamel told Neunder she would make a $10 donation to the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund for each purchase made during the party, with those 15 sales to now have an impact on families in the region who receive vouchers.
“As a business person, I feel it’s important to support the less fortunate in the community,” said Hamel, who with her daughter, Amy, form the Hamel Team at Jones Group Realtors. “I was raised by immigrant parents without a lot but with a lot of love, joy and family,” adding that she has 66 first cousins.
Hamel recalls when she was a child getting a musical sewing box from the Springfield Armory’s Christmas party. That box became many things in her imaginary playtime, including the Toto basket when reenacting the Wizard of Oz.
“It makes me happy to think a child will have toys for Christmas,” Hamel said.
Named after a former business manager at the Gazette, the Toy Fund began in 1933 to help families in need during the Depression. Today, the fund distributes vouchers worth $50 to families for each child from age 1 to 14. Eligible families must live in any Hampshire County community except Ware, or in the southern Franklin County towns of Deerfield, Sunderland, Whately, Shutesbury and Leverett, and in Holyoke in Hampden County.
The following stores are participating this year: A2Z Science and Learning Store, 57 King St., Northampton; Blue Marble/Little Blue, 150 Main St., Level 1, Northampton; Deals & Steals, 1 Pearl St., Northampton; High Five Books, 141 N. Main St., Florence; The Toy Box, 201 N. Pleasant St., Amherst; Once Upon A Child,1458 Riverdale St., West Springfield; Plato’s Closet, 1472 Riverdale St., West Springfield; Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters, 227 Russell St., Hadley; Odyssey Bookshop, 9 College St., Village Commons, South Hadley; The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 W. Bay Road, Amherst; World Eye Bookshop, 134 Main St., Greenfield; Holyoke Sporting Goods Co., and 1584 Dwight St. No. 1, Holyoke.
Hamel said in addition the Toy Fund, the success of the real estate business allows her to make financial contributions to the Amherst Survival Center and she also brings gifts to the Center for Human Development’s Family Outreach so they can be distributed to children.
“One gift can give people hope, and joy to children, in anticipation of better days,” Hamel said.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
