Gazette's Toy Fund falls $11,500 short
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NORTHAMPTON - Almost 2,000 area children were able to unwrap Christmas presents Sunday, thanks to the generous donors who supported the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund this year.
But when the donations were tallied earlier this week, the fund was almost $11,500 short of covering the cost of the vouchers the Gazette sent to families in need to buy Christmas gifts for children.
Donations so far totaled approximately $65,000, but the Toy Fund provided $76,480 in vouchers this holiday season, said Gazette Publisher James Foudy. Foudy said he hopes contributions will continue into the new year in order to close the gap.
"People have been generous, the number of checks and donations is truly heartwarming, but I think what we're seeing is the reality of the times we're in," Foudy said Wednesday. "Many who donate are hurting, too."
Gazette Editor Larry Parnass said the Toy Fund has faced shortfalls in past years, but the $11,500 deficit this year is "so significant" that the Gazette needs donors help to balance the Toy Fund account.
"I think it's going to be hard - it's a lot to ask of people after Christmas," Parnass said. "Our thanks go out to the hundreds who donated, even in these times of stagnant wages and the rising cost of living."
Foudy said the Gazette has a "small reserve" and all the vouchers will be honored, but the shortfall is a big concern. "Looking ahead, we have to worry," he said. "We've never had to set a cap before. We've always provided vouchers for everyone who is eligible."
Just as the poor economy limits donations, it also ensures that more families will be in need of the Toy Fund vouchers, Foudy said. The Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund distributes $40 vouchers to eligible families for each child from age 1 to 14, and this year's total was 1,912 vouchers.
"It was surprising how early this year we started getting calls from people asking to get their names in for the vouchers," Foudy said. "It was the beginning of November, and people were already worried."
Berkshire Children and Families in Hadley determines families' financial eligibility. The Gazette covers all costs associated with the drive, including printing, postage and administrative costs, which allows all donations to go directly into vouchers.
"People who give know that if they donate $100, $100 goes to vouchers for kids," Foudy said. "I think people appreciate that."
Parnass said any donors who contribute in the next few weeks will be recognized when a final list of donors is printed in the Gazette in January.
Donations may be dropped off at or mailed to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, 115 Conz St., Northampton, MA 01060, or Gazette offices at 67 Main St., Easthampton, or 9 East Pleasant St., Amherst. Donations may also be made through GazetteNET at www.gazettenet.com.
Checks should be made payable to the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund.
Rebecca Everett can be reached at reverett@gazettenet.com.
