News from Project Self-Sufficiency

  Selective Insurance Company of America, the lead insurance company of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIGI), today concluded its 14 th annual Build-A-Bike campaign to benefit Project Self-Sufficiency’s (PSS) Season of Hope Toy Shop with a record donation of 33 bikes, built by Selective employees, and 30 bike helmets, gifted by Selective’s Executive Chairman Gregory Murphy. In addition, Selective donated toys and food that were collected at a “Stuff the Van” event at the company’s Branchville headquarters. The donations were given to PSS on Friday, December 11 to help individuals and families in Sussex, Northern Warren and Northern Morris Counties. In 2019, nearly 3,000 children and teens received toys through the Season of Hope Toy Shop. “Selective’s Build-A-Bike campaign is a philanthropic activity that we eagerly anticipate each year to help make the holidays special for local children,” said John Marchioni, President and CEO. “Instead of a friendly competition all

Branchville business owner Sherri Cecchini and her staff recently towed a 22’ long 2020 Nautique GS22 sport boat packed with toys and gift cards to Project Self-Sufficiency.   The boat’s arrival is part of the annual “Stuff the Boat” initiative on behalf of the Season of Hope Toy Drive, an effort which has faced daunting challenges this year due to the pandemic.   The economic hardships faced by lower income families coupled with the loss of jobs and the closure of schools and businesses has resulted in a wave of overwhelming need and a scarcity of donations.   Off Shore Marine and a host of local first responders and civic organizations stepped up to help gather toys.   The Stuff the Boat effort is coordinated by Off Shore Marine in conjunction with members of the fire departments in Branchville, Frankford, and Sussex, along with the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, the Sussex Fire Department Emergency Medical Service, and the Sussex Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Wanderers Car C