Skip to main content

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 Warren County:  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 The Chatterbox Drive In, First Hope Bank, 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, 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 State Senator Steve Oroho dropped by to lend a voice to the importance of supporting area children during the holiday season by contributing to the Season of Hope Toy Drive, saying, “It is truly amazing how the Season of Hope Toy Drive ignites the giving spirit for which our community is well known.  Project Self Sufficiency does such a marvelous job of making us aware of the importance of lending a helping hand to those who are struggling, and trying hard each and every day to create a financially secure and independent life for themselves and their family.  The Season of Hope Toy Drive is a perfect opportunity for our community to participate in making this season a special one for every child, and at the same time providing us all an opportunity to help make a difference, just by providing a gift or a donation.  It is my privilege to take part in opening the door to a season filled with giving, sharing and caring.”

Project Self-Sufficiency Board of Directors member The Honorable Lorraine Parker, J.A.D. (retired) and her husband, Tim Parker, will be serving as co-chairpersons of this year’s Season of Hope Toy Drive.  “More than 2,000 children and teens received holiday gifts in 2016 from the Season of Hoy Toy Shop,” commented Parker.  “Those kids would not have had those gifts if the Sussex County community did not care.  Again in 2017, we come together to ensure that every child has holiday gifts and that no child feels left out of the holiday celebration.”


The annual Season of Hope Toy Drive has served thousands of children in Sussex County 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 northern Warren and Sussex Counties can involve children in making 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 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, but may be unsure of what to donate.  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 in order 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 visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for your comment.

Popular posts from this blog

Little Sprouts Recognized for Excellence

  The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center was recently awarded a four-star rating from Grow NJ Kids , the state-sponsored initiative to raise the quality of child care and early learning throughout New Jersey.   The rating is based on a rigorous process which considers documentation, classroom environment, in-person observations, and other factors. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is an expansive childcare and preschool facility which offers space for 83 youngsters, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, and is operated by Project Self-Sufficiency at 127 Mill Street in Newton.     Jennifer Blohm is a Technical Assistance Specialist from the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium , one of three agencies assigned to provide technical assistance and support to programs participating in Grow NJ Kids.   Blohm was so impressed by the quality of the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center environment, that she decided to enroll her own child in the preschool.   “...
Post a Comment
Read more

High School Diploma Program Launches in March

  Enrollment for the next session of the New Jersey Youth Corps program at Project Self-Sufficiency is underway.   The sixteen-week program launches in March and is currently being offered as a hybrid of virtual and in-person curricula and activities.   The New Jersey Youth Corps gives those who have not completed high school the opportunity to boost their literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, obtain on-the-job work experience, and transition into a career, college or the military.   Interested participants are invited to attend virtual Open House hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency to learn more about the New Jersey Youth Corps and to complete an application.   Virtual Open Houses will be held on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m., January 19 th , 26 th , February 2 nd , 9 th , and 16th, as well as Thursdays at noon, January 21 st , 28 th , February 4 th , 11 th, and 18 th . In addition, Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Volunteers and Paid Instructors Needed for High School Equivalency Program

Paid instructors and volunteers are needed to work with young adults in the New Jersey Youth Corps high school equivalency and employment skills training program at Project Self-Sufficiency.   Program coordinators are searching for help with tutoring in science, math, social studies, and English as well as assistance with community service projects.   Tutors will also assist with basic reading comprehension and vocabulary.   Opportunities are available Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; a part-time, flexible schedule is offered.   "The situation is ideal for college students or educators who might be taking a break from their regular schedule due to the pandemic,” notes Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.   Those with experience in business, construction trades, building maintenance and landscaping are particularly welcome.   The New Jersey Youth Corps gives young adults the opportunity to augment their literacy ski...
Post a Comment
Read more