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Season of Hope Toy Drive to Benefit Children in Northwestern New Jersey


A consortium of local businesses, educators and non-profit organizations gathered to kick off the annual Season of Hope Toy Drive with a challenge to individuals, schools and businesses serving Sussex and Northern Morris and Warren Counties:  Collect enough toys by mid-December to enable thousands of children to have a memorable and happy holiday.  Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders Member George Graham addressed the group clad as Santa Claus to punctuate the importance of the effort.  Holiday carols were provided by local a cappella group Harmony in Motion.  

The toy drive is a joint effort which is driven and coordinated by Project Self-Sufficiency, along with its partners First Hope Bank, Gravity DesignWorks, iHeartMedia, Inc., Intercar Mercedes Benz, The New Jersey Herald, Off Shore Marine, Pass it Along, The Printing Center, Selective Insurance Company of America, Service Electric Broadband Cable, Sparta Train Station, Stocker Bus Company, the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, Sussex Honda, and the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots to benefit local families in need.  The group aims to gather thousands of new and unwrapped items to distribute to families in need during mid-December.


New Jersey Assemblyman Parker Space emphasized the importance of supporting area children during the holiday season by contributing to the Season of Hope Toy Drive, saying, “Its great so see Project Self-Sufficiency take the lead and partner with others to assure our underprivileged children get to experience a great Christmas and Holiday season they will always remember.”


Project Self-Sufficiency Board of Directors member J.P. Perry is serving as the honorary chairperson of this year’s Season of Hope Toy Drive.  “The greatest gift this life has to offer is the ability to open our hearts to others,” commented Perry.  


The annual Season of Hope Toy Drive has served thousands of children in northwestern New Jersey for many years.  The initiative solicits donations from individuals, businesses, civic organizations, schools, youth groups, athletic teams and other groups throughout November and early December.  Area elementary schools, middle schools and high schools will once again be invited to participate in a competitive “Stuff the Stocking” campaign.  Roger Jinks, Hamburg Elementary School Superintendent and current President of the Sussex County Superintendent’s Roundtable, notes, “The Season of Hope Toy Drive has become one of the most rewarding programs in which students in our area can make a difference in the lives of our local families in need.  With a friendly spirit of competition among the schools to see which one will be the next trophy winner, children learn the significance their generosity can have in bringing joy to others.”


“We are searching for individuals, youth groups, social service agencies, scouting troop, moms’ groups, churches and other organizations which will step in and coordinate toy drives on behalf of the low-income families in our area,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “The Season of Hope Toy Drive directly benefits Sussex and Northern Morris and Warren County families in need.  The items collected here stay right here.  It truly is a way for neighbors to help each other during a difficult time of the year.”


Sussex County Freeholder George Graham, who gamely appeared as Santa during the kick off press conference for the toy drive, summed up the significance of the season and the toy drive, saying, "I am very grateful to be associated with the Season of Hope Toy Drive and very heartened by the community’s willingness to do this for these children year after year.  Anything I can do to help, I am always willing."


A wish list has been assembled for those who want to contribute.  Items needed for teens include electronics, such as calculators, watches, portable music devices, computer games and software, popular CD’s; make-up, perfume, scented lotions, hair dryers, hair straighteners, curling irons; jewelry and accessories; sports equipment and team gear, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats; popular books; clothing and pajamas; and backpacks. 
                                                               
      
Items sought for younger children include books; Legos, blocks and building toys; action figures; DVD’s and CD’s; electronic learning games; infant toys; multicultural dolls and toys; Play Doh; trading and collectible cards; matchbox cars; and trendy toys. 


In addition, donation of gift cards, wrapping paper, gift bags, gift boxes and stocking stuffers are always appreciated.


Gift items can be dropped off at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street in Newton, Monday – Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Donations are requested by Wednesday, December 13th to allow ample time for the items to be distributed to needy families. 

For information about the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or 844-807-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.



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