News from Project Self-Sufficiency

  Students from a record-breaking 45 schools in Sussex and Northern Warren Counties spent the last few weeks of 2023 collecting approximately 7,500 new, unwrapped toys in a friendly Stuff the Stocking competition to benefit Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive .   Each year, the winning school takes home the coveted Stuff the Stocking trophy, along with a monetary donation to their school’s activity fund.   Second and third place winners also receive monetary donations for their schools.   Reverend George A. Brown Memorial School was the victor in the 2023 contest, with more than 1,300 toys collected followed closely by Hardyston Middle School in second place.   Pope John Middle School rounded out the top three.   Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive gathers new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for Sussex and Northern Warren County children and teens.   In 2023, more than 2,200 children and teens received new gifts from the Season of Hope Toy Shop.  

  Branchville business owner Sherri Cecchini and her staff recently towed a 2024 24’ Nautique GS24 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 .   The tenth annual Stuff the Boat effort was coordinated by Off Shore Marine in conjunction with members of the fire departments in 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 .   “We are exceptionally grateful for this community’s steadfast commitment to our neighbors in need. This ongoing collaboration between a local business and area first responders perfectly demonstrates the true spirit of giving during the holiday season,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Ex