New BJ's Wholesale Club Donates Dozens of Toys to the SPD
New BJ's Wholesale Club Donates Dozens of Toys to the SPD
Springfield, Mass. — On Thursday December 11th, BJ's Wholesale Club donated several shopping carts full of toys to the Springfield Police Department, with Deputy Chief David Kane accepting on its behalf.
The toys will be gifted to children at the Springfield United Toy Drive and Holiday Celebration on Sunday December 21st.
On behalf of the entire Springfield Police Department, we would like to welcome BJ's to our city and wish it the best of luck as it opens its doors Friday December 12th at the new Springfield Crossing on Boston Road. We would also like to thank Club Manager Jasen Hodge and his BJ's team for this generous donation.
Below is information about the Springfield United Toy Drive and Celebration
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, and several City of Springfield Departments, including our Springfield Public Schools, the Department of Health and Human Services, and our brave and dedicated Springfield Police Department, are set to join with Strong Young Minds Inc., and Springfield Together Inc., for the Springfield United Toy Drive and Holiday Celebration, a free community event dedicated to unity, giving, and holiday joy for all!
The celebration will take place on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA.
This annual citywide event is offering families a magical winter wonderland experience complete with toy giveaways, crafts, games, a photobooth, live entertainment, and opportunities for families to connect with community resources.
The 2025 celebration will be hosted by City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce and will feature appearances by, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools Dr. Sonia Dinnall, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, State Representatives Carlos Gonzalez, Orlando Ramos, and Brian Ashe, and State Senator Adam Gomez.
“I want to commend and thank Teka Jones, Strong Young Minds, my brother and sister Elks, Sheriff Cocchi, our city departments, and all the dedicated community partners for their caring, compassion and unyielding efforts on behalf of our residents, especially for our children,” stated Mayor Sarno. “Throughout challenging times over the years, the City of Springfield has been blessed with organizations and agencies stepping up to provide our children and their families with safe and heartfelt events. Strong Young Minds and the many partner organizations continue to step up and help to organize a number of events to benefit our community. Their commitment to working together to provide a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable event for our families, especially around the holiday seasons, is greatly appreciated.”
“I am proud, as Honorary Chair, to join with Commissioner Caulton Harris, our Schools Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall, organizer and community leader Teka Jones, our host City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce, state leaders, and all of the sponsors and supporters to hold this city-wide Holiday Celebration at the MassMutual Center on December 21st,” Mayor Sarno continued. “I heard we may have a special visit that day from Santa and even Mrs. Clause too. Let’s unite to make this a season of hope for every child in our city. I hope to see you there!”
Families will enjoy performances from some of the region’s most vibrant cultural and youth groups. Performances will include drumming, dancing, ROTC, and more!
The Springfield United Toy Drive is made possible by a remarkable coalition of community partners, sponsors, civic leaders, nonprofits and businesses. Their collaboration reflects the spirit of Springfield, one where generosity, partnership, and community pride come together for a shared purpose. Teka Jones, Founder and Executive Director of Strong Young Minds Inc., has been an invaluable leader in this unified, city-wide collaboration.
HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris stated, “I have had the pleasure of working with Teka Jones throughout the years, and she continues to be a living demonstration of one of my favorite philosophies: the blessed of us must help the rest of us. She continues to show up, offer resources, and bring people together around the common goal of serving and uplifting our entire community. On December 21st, Springfield will shine brightly as we join for this wonderful holiday celebration.”
“Our hope is that this becomes a long-standing annual tradition where the entire city comes together to celebrate the holidays while uplifting our youth,” said Teka Jones, Founder and Executive Director of Strong Young Minds Inc. “It’s truly beautiful to see so many organizations, leaders, and community partners unite with one mission, to pour love, joy, and support into our children and families during the season when it’s needed most.”
Sponsors and participating organizations include the MassMutual Center, Springfield Police Department, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, iHeart Radio, Walmart, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, Visual Sound Productions, Community Bank, Westfield Bank, Boogy Entertainment, Springfield Partners for Community Action, I Am Me Fashion Show, Youth Leadership Institute, WIC, Stop and Shop, Springfield Housing Authority, Springfield Commonwealth Academy, NAACP Springfield, and many more dedicated supporters.
Event Details:
Event: Springfield United Toy Drive & Holiday Celebration
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103
Cost: Free Event (while supplies last)
For additional information, email StrongYoungMindsInc@gmail.com
Toy Donation Drop Off Location: 980 Bay St Springfield MA 01109
Strong Young Minds Inc. is a youth development organization committed to empowering young people through leadership, creativity, education, and community engagement. The Springfield United Toy Drive is one of its signature initiatives, serving hundreds of children and families annually across the region.