News from Project Self-Sufficiency

More than 350 Sussex County families will be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving turkey with all the trimmings this year, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, churches and individuals who donated voluminous amounts of food for Project Self-Sufficiency participants this November.   Agency staff and volunteers recently bagged hundreds of frozen turkeys, along with fresh produce, cans of cranberry sauce, vegetables, stuffing mix, dinner rolls, and freshly baked pies and distributed them to local families.     Al & Alessandra Kash, Kate & Michael McNamara, and John Mathews This year, 2,000 pounds of fresh vegetables were provided by longtime Project Self-Sufficiency volunteer Michael McNamara and his family in recognition of McNamara’s recent birthday.   “My whole family is involved,” noted McNamara, who has supported the organization for more than 30 years.   “Not only is it my birthday, not only is it my wedding anniversary, but Thanksgiving is my favorite

The annual Candy Cane Hunt & Vendor Fair coordinated by Macaroni Kid Sussex County to benefit the Season of Hope Toy Drive will be held Sunday, December 8 th , 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Giant Gymnastics in Sparta.   Area residents are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to the event, which features vendors, gymnastics, refreshments, face-painting, balloon artistry, hourly candy cane hunts and a visit with Santa.   The Season of Hope Toy Drive benefits thousands of children in Sussex and Northern Morris and Warren counties. The initiative is spearheaded by Project Self-Sufficiency in conjunction with a consortium of local businesses, schools, social service agencies and civic organizations.   “This fun family event perfectly dovetails with the goal of the Season of Hope Toy Drive to bring joy to children in need during this holiday season,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.   “We are grateful to all of the businesses whi

The girls’ volleyball team at Pope John XXIII Regional High School recently raised funds for Project Self-Sufficiency’s breast health program which combines in-school education, community outreach and public relations efforts designed to increase awareness of the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.   The three senior team captains, Jacqueline Taylor, Sofia Russo, and Meaghan Doherty, commented, "The Pope John Girls Volleyball Team is honored to continue to help such a worthy cause.   We are more than happy to help those in need."   Pope John Girls' Volleyball Team Donates Funds to Project Self-Sufficiency “Combatting the high incidence of late stage breast cancer in this region is one of our highest priorities, and we are extremely grateful to the members of the Pope John Girls’ Volleyball team for this generous donation which will allow us to continue our breast health educational programs,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Ex