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Local Business and First Responders Join Forces to Stuff a Boat Full of Toys


The annual “Stuff the Boat” toy drive coordinated by Branchville business Off Shore Marine to benefit the Season of Hope Toy Drive has been launched.  Area residents are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to fill a 22’ long 2020 Nautique GS22 sport boat at the business, which is located at 352 Route 206 in Branchville.  Members of the fire departments in Branchville, Frankford, Pochuck Valley and Sussex, along with the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, the Sussex Fire Department Emergency Medical Service, and the Ladies’ Auxiliaries from the Sussex Fire Department and Sussex County, the Wanderers Car Club, and the Sussex Kiwanis Club will also contribute toys and monetary donations during a festive community drop-off event on Saturday, December 14th, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  



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.  The Stuff the Boat initiative at Off Shore Marine will continue to accept toy donations through Monday, December 16th. 

“I have been very blessed in my life and I have the opportunity to share these blessings,” remarked Off Shore Marine owner Sherri Cecchini.  “I believe in the opportunities Project Self-Sufficiency offers to the people it serves which allow them to create a better life for themselves and their families.  The toy drive is just one part of that vision and that is where we try to help.”

“This unique collaboration between a local business and area first responders perfectly demonstrates the true spirit of giving during this holiday season,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “This community is unique in its commitment to its neighbors in need.  Thousands of families will be helped by this effort.  We are truly grateful.”

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. 

Contributions of new, unwrapped toys for the Stuff the Boat campaign will be welcomed at Off Shore Marine, 352 Route 206 in Branchville through Monday, December 16th.  Gift items and monetary donations will also be gratefully received at Project Self-Sufficiency, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton, Monday – Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. or Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Donations are requested by December 18th at Project Self-Sufficiency in order to allow ample time for the items to be distributed to needy families.   To make a donation online, or for more information, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.
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