SALEM ― Salem Five Bank has joined forces with The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division to collect and distribute toys for children in need across eastern Massachusetts this holiday season.
All 34 Salem Five branch locations in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties, as well as its corporate headquarters in Salem and insurance headquarters in Woburn, will serve as drop-off locations for new, unwrapped toys until the end of December. The Salvation Army will collect and distribute the donated toys to children throughout the region.
“This partnership is important to us as we believe strongly in supporting the communities we serve,” said Ping Yin Chai, president and CEO of Salem Five. “There’s no time like the holidays to demonstrate this commitment.”
Salem Five recognizes that with the lingering impact from the pandemic, there are many local families struggling to afford Christmas gifts for their children. Receiving toys during this special time of year can make the holidays a bit brighter for them.
The organizers of the drive kindly ask that participants skip stuffed animals, which are usually popular among donors during toy drives, and instead give toys that educate toddlers about colors, sounds and counting and help them develop motor skills; toys that keep young kids busy and let them build, draw, make and move; toys for older kids that make them think and take them outside like sports equipment or latest tech items; items for teenagers that help them make their room cozy, along with sports equipment, backpacks, hair and beauty products, and tech gadgets and accessories.
With more than 30 centers in Massachusetts, the Salvation Army makes a perfect distribution partner to reach families experiencing hardship.
“We are pleased to join with Salem Five this year to better serve Essex and Middlesex counties this holiday season,” said Major Marcus Jugenheimer, general secretary of the Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. “With Salem Five’s branch network and passion for the cause, we are anticipating a strong turnout.”
