As the end of 2022 came around, the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club saw our community come together to make the holiday season special for many Boys & Girls Club families. People and organizations donated toys, bikes, Chirstmas trees, and even full Christmas dinners to families in need of a little holiday magic.

Adam Southworth of Titan Tree, along with his family and friends, made a donation of over 40 bikes and scooters in a variety of colors and sizes. With the help of Program Director Ray Sanchez, each donated bike was matched with a child who will enjoy it.  Meanwhile, Dave and Chelsea Pighetti of Dirt Farm Landscaping joined forces with Bethany Calabrese and Joe Judge to bring over six real Christmas trees with accompanying decorations. Later in the season, Bailey Smith of BMS property  maintenance also donated two trees, each going to a family that may not have had one without their generosity.

However, the most astonishing magic of the season came in the outpouring of support for our 2022 toy drive. In addition to the toys donated by Central Chevrolet and Outback Steakhouse, many individual donors, Tina Wood, George Reed and Laurie and John Messer dropped by with new and popular toys and gifts for children of all ages. West Springfield Boys & Girls Club staff set up a display of these donated toys where Club parents could “shop” for the perfect gifts for their children. Additionally, in the week leading up to December 25th, two families with children enrolled in our “Little Futures” preschool were struggling to make ends meet for the holidays. One community member, Amy Mendrala, stepped up and provided meals for these families, including ham, breakfast and dessert items, and toys for the kids.

Here at West Springfield Boys & Girls Club we work to ensure that our youth are given the opportunities, mentors, safe spaces, and resources they need to reach their full potential. However, none of our work would be possible without the generosity and support of our surrounding community. On behalf of our staff, Board of Trustees, and the families and children we serve, we want to sincerely thank everyone who came together in 2022 to support the Club, help make holiday wishes come true, and invest in our children’s future.