High Five Books News Today

The Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB) is thrilled to introduce Mass Kids Lit Fest, a brand-new children's and teen book festival coinciding with Children's Book Week, a nationwide celebration of the joy and influence of reading on young minds.

Five years ago, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, already an acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator, took his career to the next level with “Hey, Kiddo,” a graphic novel/memoir in which he shared poignant and often painful details from his childhood and...

The Sidney F. Smith Toy fund has received more than $55,000 this holiday season, providing vouchers for families to buy toys and other presents for their children.The amount given this year signals a slight return to normalcy regarding toy fund...

LEEDS — Marie and Richard Aquadro both left a mark in the Valley.Whether it was through volunteering efforts at the church, the YMCA, at the polls at election time or donating to several area charities like the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund, the late...

Growing up in the town of Old Bridge, New Jersey, Eileen Claveloux had many wonderful Christmas memories. But perhaps none were as memorable as when her father tried to build a fireplace in their home for the holidays.The family of seven lived in a...

NORTHAMPTON — Between inflation, supply chain problems, and the pandemic, the last few years have been a big financial challenge for many people and companies. Not surprisingly, many organizations that rely on donations — food banks, social service...

LEEDS — Pets have always held a special place in members of the Dwyer family’s hearts.When the Leeds family’s German shepherd “Rowdy” died more than 15 years ago, Bill Dwyer made a donation to the Gazette’s Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund in memory of their...

Editor’s note: Periodically this holiday season the Gazette will feature stories from our archives that highlight the generous spirit that the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund brings out in people. This story ran 25 years ago.  Christmas can be a sad and...

Every year, hundreds of Hampshire County residents donate to the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund, raising money to provide vouchers for families in need to buy holiday gifts at participating stores. When donating, givers can elect to have their name...

NORTHAMPTON — When Linda Cahillane Smith thinks of her late parents, Stephen and Rita Cahillane, one phrase in particular comes to mind: “They were the glue that held us together.”The former Northampton couple, high school sweethearts who had been...