Salvation Army Launches 2026 Toy for Joy Drive
The 104th annual Toy for Joy campaign aims to raise $100,000 to provide gifts to children and families in Western Massachusetts this holiday season.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Salvation Army launched its 2026 Toy for Joy Christmas campaign on November 5, seeking $100,000 in donations for children age 16 and under in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Early donations of nearly $5,000 were received in the campaign's first days.
Why it matters
Organizers say demand may exceed last year's levels as families struggle with food, fuel and housing costs. Last year, more than 1,600 families and 4,300 children received toys, books and games through the program.
The campaign has a $100,000 goal and had received nearly $5,000 in its opening days, with Harry Grodsky and Co. donating $2,250, Hale Financial Planning Group $1,000 and CT Special Olympics Snowmakers $300. Final totals and this year's recipient count remain unknown until the December 24 deadline.
The players
The Salvation Army
A Christian charitable organization known for its social services and annual holiday fundraising campaigns, including the red kettle drive.
Harry Grodsky and Co., Inc.
A Springfield-area business that has been operating for 108 years and contributed $2,250 from its office staff to the campaign.
The details
Donations may be mailed to The Salvation Army at P.O. Box 971, Springfield, MA 01101, or made online at salvationarmyma.org/toyforjoy. The campaign is sponsored from the Salvation Army's Corps Community Centers in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield.
Timeline
November 5, 2026: Toy for Joy campaign officially began.
December 24, 2026: Campaign's traditional Christmas Eve donation deadline.
Season Trajectory
The 104th edition of Toy for Joy continues a campaign that has run in Western Massachusetts for over a century. Organizers anticipate higher demand this year than last, when more than 1,600 families were served.
Residents can donate by mailing a check to P.O. Box 971 in Springfield or giving online at salvationarmyma.org/toyforjoy before the December 24 deadline. Donations are directed to children age 16 and under in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
The takeaway
Donors who give before the December 24 deadline help the campaign reach its $100,000 goal for local children and families. Mailed or online gifts of any size are accepted through the Salvation Army.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage across Massachusetts.
More information
Make a gift through the Salvation Army online donation page for Toy for Joy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Masslive.
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