History:

   In 1955 the late Police Chief Walter J. Skowers formed “Toys for Joy”.  This program was devoted to residence of Enfield and designed to give needy families, toys for their children on Christmas.  The program was managed by police officers who would collect toys, wrap them and then dress up as Santa Claus and deliver the toys door to door on Christmas Eve in police car. 

   As the years passed, the program expanded to the point where officers could no longer deliver the toys door to door due to the large influx; therefore a toy pick-up location had to be established. Shortly thereafter, wrapping presents could no longer be preformed due to the large quantity of gifts the “Toys for Joy” program was providing.  So wrapping paper would be given to families as they came in to pick up toys.   

   By the late 1970’s the “Toys for Joy” program had grown, supplying approximately 150 families and 300 to 350 children each year with Christmas toys.

  In 1990 Chief Herbert Foy replaced the retired Chief, Walter J. Skowers.  Chief Foy had continued the “Toys for Joy” tradition utilizing officers and their continued efforts to fulfill the needs of the community.

   In 1994 Chief Ronald Marcotte replaced retired Chief, Herbert Foy.  For the next eleven years, Chief Marcotte ran the “Toys for Joy” program with assistance from other officers ensuring that all needy children received Christmas gifts. 

   In 2006 Chief Carl Sferrazza took office and replaced retired Chief Marcotte.  Chief Sferrazza has continued the “Toys for Joy” tradition and support the cause.  "Needy families within Enfield’s community have continued to use the “Toys for Joy” program and we are very happy to help give these families a Happy Holiday". 

   Last year, the community helped the “Toys for Joy” program provide toys for over 475 needy families in Enfield.  There were over 1000 children who received toys due to the help and support of Enfield’s community.  This year we anticipate the number of families and children to increase due to the growth of Enfield and recent economic increases.  It’s people like you from our community that help other people make the right choice when they have to decide whether to pay rent, electric, heating, food or gifts for Christmas. We the community can help them “not to make that decision”.  With your help that’s one less thing these needy families have to worry about. 

 “Toys for Joy” continues to be run by Chief Carl Sferrazza and managed by members of the Enfield Police Department.  In addition, recognition should be given to the following retired Police Officers for there continued commitment and support.  These retired Officers’s continue to devote their time to the “Toys for Joy” program around the Holiday Season to ensure that needy families of Enfield can put a smile on their child’s face on Christmas morning.

 A special thanks to the following officers who continue to assist with the “Toys for Joy” program each year:

• Chief Herbert Foy

• Chief Ronald Marcotte

• Lieutenant Robert Boula

• Sergeant Thomas Heath

• Sergeant Jack Manning

 Please give…

Back to Top