Every year, hundreds of Hampshire County residents donate to the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund, raising money to provide vouchers for families in need to buy holiday gifts at participating stores. When donating, givers can elect to have their name published or remain anonymous, and leave a note describing why they are donating.
Though many donors tell their stories to the Gazette every year and many agree to have their name printed, lots of others choose to remain anonymous, unknown — wanting for one reason or another to give their charitable donation without the public knowing where it came from.
Many in their notes say they are donating in the name of a deceased friend or loved one. It can be their grandparents, siblings, or sometimes a child they lost and want to honor. Others remain anonymous but want to include a special message to be printed.
“In memory of departed classmates of Easthampton High School class of 1974,” one of those donors wrote. Another said, “Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy New Year. Treat others with love and kindness.”
Most donors give between $25 and $100 for the fund, although some give much more, and many who do choose to remain anonymous. One donor who always chooses to remain anonymous gives $1,500 every year for the fund.
Others give because of their own personal experience with hardship during Christmastime.
“I know what it’s like to not get Christmas presents, especially when others you know get them,” one donor wrote. “Thank you for doing this.”
Throughout all of these anonymous donations, one thing remains clear — the spirit of Christmas and the holiday season pervades throughout all of them.
To be eligible for the Toy Fund, 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.
Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.
