When Joyce Stillman Libby passed away at 94 in May, her will included a desire to leave forget-me-nots to her friends.
She won’t be forgotten.
“She loved flowers. I planted them, and they grew,” says Hampden resident Judith Jackson, who along with her husband, Bruce, joined the list of donors supporting the Toy for Joy campaign, believing it a fitting way to honor a devoted friend.
The couple contributed $50 to the centennial campaign that works to to make Christmas a happy time for thousands of children in need across Western Massachusetts. Judith Jackson said her friend’s birthdate of Dec. 5 also brought her to mind this holiday season.
“Joyce was so wonderful, and she was involved in so many things. She taught in Hampden schools for a while and spent a long time working at Old Sturbridge Village,” Mrs. Jackson said.
The Jacksons had not donated to Toy for Joy until this year, when memories of their friend moved them to contribute to the happiness of children in need in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Those children, who would otherwise face a Christmas without the joy experienced by other youngsters, will receive toys and books through the generosity of Toy for Joy donors.
The campaign seeks to raise $150,000 by Christmas eve; to date, the campaign has received just over $26,000.
When the Jacksons moved to Hampden nearly six decades ago, they met Joyce Stillman Libby at a tea party. They had a love of children in common as Bruce Jackson taught in East Longmeadow and Judith Jackson did so in Ludlow.
Stillman Libby taught Sunday school and served on every church committee during her 70 years of membership at Federated Community Church in Hampden, according to her obituary. For 40 years, she was a museum educator at Old Sturbridge Village.
“Joyce was loved by so many, and she is missed,” Judith Jackson said.
But not forgotten.Over the course of its 100 years, Toy for Joy has provided thousands of children in Western Massachusetts toys and books annually through the generosity of the region’s residents, school children, civic groups, businesses and others.
Toy for Joy is a collaborative effort by the Salvation Army with The Republican, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive, along with media partners at Reminders Publishing and The Westfield News. Salvation Army units in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield distribute toys and books to families in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Toy for Joy serves children age 16 and younger.
The office of Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi is among this year’s community partners in the Toy for Joy effort.
The coupon published with this story may be used to submit a contribution by mail to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. Donors can also make online contributions through https://give.salvationarmy.org/give/212002/#!/donation/checkout
Here is the list list of recent contributions:
In honor of our grandchildren Kylie, Taryn, Tanner and Tessa $40
Thankful for wonderful family and friends from Linda and Gary $200
In memory of the O’Neils and the O’Connors $25
In memory of Stephen $25
Merry Xmas Grandpa Orszulak, 20-year anniversary. We miss and love you. Love, Chris, Matt, Justin and Lindsey $50
Peace and love from Moira, Collin, Elijah, Joshua and Liliana $50
Loving memory of Meme and Pepe and Nana and Papa from Rene and Susan $50
In memory of Joyce Click wonderful friend and para $25
In beloved memory of all our beautiful Christmas angels from Liz $25
Merry Christmas to our family: Doreen, Mikey, our six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Happy healthy new year, too, from Nanny and Papa $200
In loving memory of Nani Mary Rae MacFarland from Jo and Keith $50
In loving memory of Richard and Mary Bourque and Maureen $30
In memory of Baby Izzy $25
In memory of mother and father from Janice, Mike and Nancy $10
In loving memory of George and Helen Liptak $100
In memory of Algot V. Olson Jr. (Vern) $20
In memory of Bob from Mary Ellen $100
In memory of Gail, Ed and Vivian $50
In loving memory of Edward J. and Ruth M. Smith, our loving parents $25
In loving memory of Dimitra Kastrinakis. Miss you $25
For Kevin, Katie, Nikki, Alli and Erin from G’ma $50
In memory of David, Bridie and Kevin. Maintain $100
Miss you, Mom, Dad, Steven, Maryanne, Rick, Sam and Sarah $20
For our blessed young and old who are very special $45
In memory of Lavelle Sieron and Skorka families $50
Merry Christmas grands and greats with love from Mimi $200
Missing Joyce Stillman Libby, Hampden $50
In memory of Grandpa and Grandma Donaldson, Paul and Mikey $25
In memory of Nick and Samantha $100
Merry Christmas to all children from Ray and Jean $50
In loving memory of Joseph Bilodeau from Mom, Dad and Mike $50
In loving memory of Grandad and Lala $50
In memory of Christmases past $25
In memory of my parents Carmela and Fillippo. Love, Sue $25
From David $50
Received $2,015
Total to date $26,090
Still needed $123,910
Ad Choices