Saturday, December 24, 2011

Holidays are a time to be thankful and merry,

But, the economy's in shambles; empty wallets, quite scary.

To have a sleigh full like Santa's not an option for some,

But gifts can be had thanks to Ol' Sidney's Toy Fund!

In memory of friends, parents and pets

To neighbors and strangers, let's donate, please, let's.

From families who give to loved ones passed on

Kind folks who remember father, mother, daughter, son

'Hamp-ers give with their hearts, young and old

The Toy Fund grows larger, yes, it's increased many-fold.

To make sure each child has a day to remember

The Toy Fund gives vouchers each and every December.

Folks give many amounts, all worth recognition;

For some on the list, it's become a tradition.

Let's list some fine gifters, then take a breather.

First, $50 comes from a Santa believer,

In memory of loved ones who have gone before

Jan Stevens gave $50, for presents galore.

Edmund Kamansky gave $500 to honor his mother,

Grady Childs chipped in for parents and grandmother.

A love never forgotten, the Wilsons to Chris

and others in memory like Brian, who's missed

$50 from zip code 01084

For lots of gifts from the local toy store

Like Peebles, the Toy Box and A2Z,

Local merchants share wares from marbles to Yahtzee

Five-year-old Frankie Adams-Sternal gave dollars - 23

What a big heart, we all would agree.

To buy beanies and dolls and bright fairy wings,

Blocks, trains and Legos and other fun things

Luke, Addie and Ania, glad Daddy's home

Gave money to others, who still feel alone

With parents dispatched to overseas missions

The Toy Fund fills in with fun acquisitions

Like puzzles, Rockin' Elmo and Barbies too,

Nerf guns and Uno, maybe the game Clue.

From JFK Middle, one hundred fifteen ($115)

$50 from eight little reindeer who remember "Gram" Sheehan.

In memory of Sue Sedegren, no doubt a generous heart

Many people give for her, thanks for helping take part.

The Northampton Lions Club gave $100, times 10

It is true; their spirit gives hope, again and again.

Hope for a bike, maybe even a scooter

Some lucky tot gets a brand new computer

Thanks to John Horton, who refused money for work

$15 from Florence Dmytryk, that was a great perk

From Patricia Poulin whose gift comes from her heart

Her $100 supports a full shopping cart.

Although this year is sadly Helen's first one alone,

She gave $100 for her husband, for others unknown.

The Toy Fund has been giving for 79 years

For each decade, raise your glasses and say "Cheers!"

Meme Graham is remembered although she is gone

Three hundred for her - her memory lives on.

The Corliss family gave $300 as well

Especially for Tyler who's helped others excel.

Many gifts to be had, and also to be given

Don't forget the wrapping, sparkly paper and new ribbon.

Each gift gives great joy, that much a fact

Without your donations the holidays lack.

For every year since 1933, Christmas will come with a warm guarantee,

That something will be sitting under the tree.

And there will lie the most wonderful gift

That came from the fund of Ol' Mr. Smith.