Following the success of No Shave November in raising funds for cancer
research and prevention, the Newton Police Department, with the support of
Chief Mike Richards, has kicked off Double Down December in support of the
Season of Hope Toy Drive. Officers will
forgo regular facial shaving requirements for the month. Funds raised will be donated to Project
Self-Sufficiency and used to purchase toys for children and teens in need.
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| Newton Police Department Raises Funds for Toy Drive |
“After attending the Toy Drive kickoff at Project
Self-Sufficiency in October, it was apparent to me that financial contributions
would be helpful to ensure that there will be a sufficient number of toys available
for families,” commented Richards. “I suggested that we could do another
month of no shaving, which has been referred to as ‘Double Down December’, and
the officers readily agreed to support the Season of Hope Toy Drive with this
month’s donations. Each officer is required to donate $30 to participate,
and of course, can contribute more if they’d like. Our goal is to raise
at least $500. We hope that by
contributing to this worthy cause, it will also help to raise awareness of the
need that exists and inspire others to also contribute.”
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; thousands of new
and unwrapped items are distributed to Sussex and Northern Morris and Warren
County families in mid-December.
“We are grateful for the support we receive from the Newton
Police Department all year long, but this initiative is truly overwhelming,”
commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project
Self-Sufficiency. “This creative
approach to raising funds for families in need demonstrates that our local law
enforcement officers genuinely care about the families they serve.”
The Season of Hope 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, Shop
Rite, Stocker Bus Company, the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, Sussex County
Community College, Sussex Honda, Sussex Macaroni Kid, and the United States
Marine Corps Toys for Tots to benefit local families in need.
A wish list has been assembled for those who want to contribute to the
Season of Hope Toy Drive. 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; musical instruments 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. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00
a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Donations are requested
by Wednesday, December 16th 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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