Holiday Toy Drive Kicks Off

 

The annual Season of Hope Toy Drive was launched by Project Self-Sufficiency and a consortium of businesses, schools, and social service agencies today.  The massive undertaking aims to provide gift cards and new, unwrapped toys to parents and caregivers of more than 2,000 children and teens in the New Jersey counties of Sussex and Northern Warren.  The toy drive is a joint effort which is driven and coordinated by Project Self-Sufficiency, along with its community partners, to benefit local families in need.  Donations are needed immediately and can be made in-person at the Newton agency.  Additional toy drop-off sites throughout the area will be added shortly.  Monetary donations are also accepted online.

 

The annual Season of Hope Toy Drive has served thousands of children and teens in northwestern New Jersey for many years.  The initiative solicits donations from individuals, businesses, civic organizations, schools, youth groups, athletic teams, and other groups through mid-December.

 

“We are inviting individuals, businesses, and organizations to coordinate drives for gift cards and toys on behalf of the low-income families in our area,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Chief Executive Officer of Project Self-Sufficiency. “The Season of Hope Toy Drive directly benefits Sussex 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 time which can be stressful for many families.”

 

“The Season of Hope Toy Drive has become a staple at the start of the holiday time in ushering in the giving spirit that helps makes the holidays so special,” said Senator Parker Space. “This effort demonstrates the extraordinary humanity and generosity that exists within our local communities because every family and child should get to experience the joy and magic of the holiday season, regardless of one’s circumstances. By spearheading this effort, Project Self-Sufficiency helps remind us that goodwill should not just be saved for the holidays because many families in our communities are in need at any given time of the year.”

 

“Project Self Sufficiency changes lives all year long. The Season of Hope Toy Drive lets the rest of us return the favor,” added Assemblyman Michael Inganamort. “I’m grateful for their work and proud to stand with them once again this holiday season.”

 

“The Season of Hope reminds us how much we can accomplish when neighbors come together to care for and help one another,” said former New Jersey State Senator Steve Oroho. “I am proud to be included with so many in our community supporting Project Self-Sufficiency as they make sure children experience the excitement and joy of the holidays while easing the burden on families facing difficult times. I encourage everyone who is able to join us this year. Every contribution brings a little more happiness to a child and demonstrates to the family that their community cares.”

 

“The holiday season is a time for giving, and Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope toy drive is a wonderful example of how our community comes together to support local families,” remarked Jill Space, Director, Sussex County Board of Commissioners. “These generous contributions help make the holidays brighter for children, and we are grateful to everyone who gives their time and resources to make this effort possible.”

 

"The Season of Hope Toy Drive succeeds because of the collective hearts of our neighbors, schools, and local businesses,” added Sussex County Administrator Christina Marks. “We are calling on our community to help us ensure that we can provide a moment of happiness to every local child and family who needs it most this year."

 

“The Season of Hope is a beautiful reflection of what makes a community extraordinary. Through the kindness of donors, the dedication of volunteers and the hard work of all the little elves, PSS brings people together in a shared mission of love,” concurred former Sussex County Commissioner Sylvia Petillo. “If the annual Season of Hope has taught us anything, it is that love, expressed through one gift, one meal, or one act of kindness, can grow into something far greater. It can become a force that changes hearts and makes hope possible again. That is the heart of Project Sef-Sufficiency. That is the true blessing of the Christmas Season of Hope.”

 

"For Newton families facing financial strain this winter, the holiday toy drive removes the difficult choice between buying everyday essentials and buying gifts,” noted Newton Mayor Matthew Dickson. “By stepping in, the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive ensures thousands of local children can enjoy the holidays, regardless of their family's financial situation."  

 

Area elementary schools, middle schools and high schools have been invited to participate in a competitive “Stuff the Stocking” campaign.  Toys are picked up and counted in early December; 45 schools are registered in this year’s contest. “Every year I look forward to participating in The Season of Hope Campaign,” remarked Denise Hotz, owner of Stocker Bus Company which supplies buses and drivers free of charge to pick up toys at every school during December. “This event provides so much joy and happiness to so many families and to those who participate. It truly epitomizes The Season of Hope.”

 

“Every child deserves a holiday morning filled with wonder and every family deserves to know their community cares. When our students fill a stocking with gifts for a neighbor they have never met, they discover that kindness has real power. They learn to notice a need and respond with compassion,” commented Eveny de Mendez, Vernon Township School District Superintendent of Schools and President of the Sussex County Superintendents’ Roundtable. “We are grateful to Project Self-Sufficiency for giving our school communities a way to share both gifts and hope. In Vernon Township we believe our students lead best when they serve others, and this season they remind us what it means to be better together.”

“The Season of Hope Toy Shop relies on the contributions of countless individuals, businesses, and organizations every year,” explained Berry-Toon.  “We are particularly grateful to Sussex County Community College for providing the resources which enable us to serve thousands of families, including the culinary arts students who bake thousands of cookies for distribution to the patrons of the toy shop.”

 

“The Season of Hope Toy Drive is a powerful reminder that a caring community can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. Every child deserves to experience the joy and excitement of the holiday season, and every family deserves to feel supported, valued, and connected to their community,” remarked Sussex County Community College President Cory Homer. “Sussex County Community College is proud to support initiatives like Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope that bring people together, inspire generosity, and offer hope to families who may be facing difficult circumstances. These acts of kindness reflect the very best of our community and demonstrate how we can work together to build a stronger, more compassionate future for all.”

 

In addition to the hundreds of volunteers who sort toys and assist patrons, the Season of Hope Toy Shop benefits from the talents of numerous musicians who donate their time each year; music for the kick-off press conference was provided by a capella group Harmony in Motion.  Individuals and ensembles perform holiday tunes in multiple locations on the Project Self-Sufficiency campus throughout the duration of the two-day toy shop in December. 

 

“We welcome the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement personnel, and musicians as we help thousands of parents select toys for their children,” added Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “Given the volume of children we will be serving, we are hoping that donations of funds, gift cards, and toys can be received by early December.”

 

Project Self-Sufficiency Leadership Council member Tim Parker donned a Santa suit and was accompanied by his wife, Project Self-Sufficiency Board member and retired jurist Lorraine Parker, at the kickoff event. “The compassion demonstrated by this community is overwhelming and we are looking forward to bringing these toys to local children in December.”

 

Donated items can be dropped off Monday – Friday at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street in Newton.  For information about the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.