Annual ‘Hope for the Holidays’ Toy Drive Benefits Brightside for Families and Children

SPRINGFIELD — The holiday season will be a little brighter this year thanks to the efforts of organizers of the 34th annual “Hope for the Holidays” toy drive to benefit the children served by Brightside for Families and Children.

The annual event, which typically runs for three days, was pared down to a single day this year because of caution regarding COVID-19. In just six hours, the toy drive raised $12,872 to purchase items specified on gift wish lists created by the children served by Brightside and their siblings. This figure also reflects donations collected through the “Hope for the Holidays” GoFundMe page.

Despite the pandemic, event organizer Bruce Rivest was committed to seeing the event through this year. Adopted as a child himself from Brightside in 1970, he knows firsthand the importance Brightside plays in the local community. “We are grateful to our sponsors for not only stepping up to make the toy drive a success, but also for sharing our vision to bring hope and joy to every child and family supported by Brightside this holiday season.”

Sponsors of this year’s toy drive include Indian Motorcycle of Springfield; American Legion Post 275; American Legion Riders Chapter 58 of Oxford; ATC Audio, Video and Lighting; Attorney James Baker; the Camouflage Run in memory of Patrick Rud; Husaria Riding Club of Massachusetts; Longriders MC; Patriot Riders Chapter 6 WMass; Red’s Towing and Recovery; Sons of Mothers MC; and Renegade Souls MC.

There’s still time to make a monetary donation for the children and families served by Brightside as the toy drive’s GoFundMe page will remain in operation through November. Click here to visit the page.