Local Businesses and First Responders Join Forces to Stuff a Boat with Toys

The tenth annual “Stuff the Boat” toy drive coordinated by Branchville business Off Shore Marine to benefit Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive has been launched. Area residents are encouraged to bring gift cards, funds, and new, unwrapped toys to fill a 2024 24’ Nautique GS24 boat at the dealership, which is located at 357 Route 206 in Branchville. A wide range of first responders and area businesses and organizations are gathering toys to Stuff the Boat on behalf of the Season of Hope Toy Drive, incuding members of the Branchville Hose Company, the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, Frankford Township Fire Department, the Kiwanis Club of Sussex, Royal Buick GMC of Sussex, Sussex Fire and Emergency Medical Service, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sussex Fire Department, and the Wanderer’s Car Club. A special Community Drop Off event will be hosted at Off Shore Marine, Saturday, December 9^th, 11:00 a.m.; toys will be accepted at Off Shore Marine through Thursday, December 15^th.

Those who drop off toys at the Branchville dealership on December 9^th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., will be treated to photos with Santa and refreshments. “This year marks the tenth annual Stuff the Boat collection for Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive,” remarked Off Shore Marine owner Sherri Cecchini, who was inspired to launch the effort after dropping off a bag of toys and touring the non-profit agency. “We are invested in our community, we have built our business and rasied our family here. Putting goodness into the world is the right thing to do, and if we each contribute where and what we can, together we can make a real difference.”

“This unique collaboration between local businesses 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. “Now more than ever, we are grateful for this community’s steadfast commitment to our neighbors in need. Thousands of families will be helped by this initiative.”

The Season of Hope Toy Drive is coordinated by Project Self-Sufficiency to benefit thousands of children in Sussex and Northern Morris and Warren counties. Toys, gift cards and monetary donations will also be gratefully received at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street in Newton, Monday – Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To donate online, or for more information, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.

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