Final donations boost Toy Fund

NORTHAMPTON - Donations mailed and hand delivered to Gazette offices over the last 10 days pushed the total raised for the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund to $74,120, close enough to this year's goal to proclaim the 2011 effort a triumph. "To raise $75,000 in a month to give to families who nobody knows is remarkable, especially in this economy," said Gazette Publisher James Foudy. "I do consider this year a great success thanks to the generous contributions from people."

• Click here for a list of recent Toy Fund contributors

Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund details and donors

To help close the gap - Anonymous, $25.

Given in honor of the services of the Northampton Fire Department Ambulance Corps for a safe New Year for all. From Ina Luadtke and Genevieve L. Clark, $50.

From Paris and Linda, $100.

In loving memory of Emily Weston, KPB, & Meme - From Laura Battles & Sara, $300.

From John and Francesca D. Bowman, $35.

Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund details and donors

From Sarah and Christie $50

From the Williamsburg Lions Club $100

From the Northampton Cooperative Bank $500

In memory of Vicky Givler and with thoughts and love for all of the Munroe Street and Columbus Avenue kids from Margo $25

In memory of William H. Welch, Thomas and Amanda Loughlin and Dodie Loughlin - Margo $25

Gazette's Toy Fund falls $11,500 short

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.

Toy Fund givers guarantee a gift sitting under the tree

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.

Northampton mother embodies true spirit of giving back during the holidays

NORTHAMPTON - Elizabeth Jimenez is living proof that the spirit of giving is not solely the purview of the "haves." After the Northampton mother of two discovered recently that she had received extra gift vouchers from the Gazette's Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund, she sent them back. The fund distributes $40 vouchers to eligible families that can be used to buy children's gifts at participating stores. "I could definitely use the other two," Jimenez, 37, wrote in a letter to the Gazette. "But I'm very grateful for that gift for my kids, since they don't get much. So, enclosed are the extra two checks."

• Click here for more Toy Fund stories

Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund details and donors

NORTHAMPTON - The Daily Hampshire Gazette's Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund provides certificates to eligible families who can use them to buy holiday gifts at participating stores.

Named after a former business manager at the Gazette, the fund began in 1933 to help families in need during the Depression.