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By Ron Chimelis | rchimelis@repub.com (Masslive) The Toy for Joy campaign is in its final stages, but a late surge in donations will make countless children and families happy this Christmas. The campaign deadline of Dec. 24 comes so quickly. But donations received just before or on that date, or in the mail just after the deadline, count just as much and will go directly toward providing toys, games and books to children from Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Even a contribution mailed on the deadline day of Dec. 24 is applied to the cause. Now in its 102nd year, Toy for Joy has again been sponsored by the Salvation Army, which has been involved with the drive since the 1950s. The organization’s citadels in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield have been distributing gifts to deserving children. Promoting literacy among children has been a Toy for Joy mission for years. This year, Link to Libraries again supported the cause in a major way by providing 1,000 brand new, age-appropriate books to the Salvation Army. “These books are worth approximately $5,000 in all. Last year, we donated 600, so we were able to nearly double it this year,” said Amy Anderlonis, executive vice-president of the Hampden-based Link to Libraries nonprofit. “We think books are the best gift. To make it happen, we rely on the generosity of local businesses,” Anderlonis said. “For many children, their first book comes from us. Salvation Army was having some trouble getting age-appropriate books, but we think partnering with them helps all of us, and the children.” Anderlonis said Link to Libraries was formed in 2008 out of deep concern that so many children in school struggle because of reading challenges. The agency has donated over one million books, at an average of more than 50,000 per year, to encourage a lifelong love of reading by children. Armed with quality toys and books for the children, Toy for Joy is promoted and advertised by The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. All contributions will be recognized and published in The Republican and Reminder Publications, and online by MassLive.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – MGM Springfield is partnering with “Link to Libraries” to support literacy in Springfield Public Schools. The literacy organization works with companies to increase access to reading for children. Since the start of the program in 2008, Link to Libraries has distributed over one million new books to school and home libraries statewide. On Tuesday morning MGM Springfield and representatives from Link to Libraries hosted a holiday book reading party at the White Street School in Springfield, donating books to the children to bring home for the holiday break. “We are celebrating the season of giving,” explained Jennifer McGrath, Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement for MGM Springfield. “If this doesn’t grow your heart 3 times the size, I don’t know what will.” MGM Springfield also presented a check for $2,500 to Link to Libraries to support them in their efforts. View story on WWLP