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.
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