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Businesses, First Responders Join Forces to Stuff a Boat with Toys

 

holiday toy drive

The thirteenth annual “Stuff the Boat” toy collection 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 and new, unwrapped toys to fill a 24’ boat at the dealership, which is located at 357 Route 206 in Branchville.  In addition to customer donations, Off Shore Marine has created a collection team encompassing a wide range of first responders, area businesses, and organizations to gather toys to Stuff the Boat on behalf of the Season of Hope Toy Drive. Contributors to the Stuff the Boat include members of the Branchville Hose Company, the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, Frankford Township Fire Department, Sussex Fire and Emergency Medical Service, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sussex Fire Department, along with the Wanderers Car Club, Kiwanis Club of Sussex, and Royal Buick GMC of Sussex.  

 

New and unwrapped toys can be contributed to the Stuff the Boat initiative in a variety of ways. Off Shore Marine will be participating in the Branchville Fire Department Christmas Parade of Lights on Saturday, November 28th. Toys can be placed in the boat parked at the Branchville Fire House prior to the parade line-up from noon – 5:00 p.m. In addition, donors are invited to visit Off Shore Marine to place a toy in the boat through December 8th, or stop by the dealership’s Community Drop Off Day on Saturday, December 5th, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Besides stuffing the boat with toys, the festive event will include refreshments and photos with Santa and firetrucks.  Guests are invited to arrive prior to 11:00 a.m. to spot Santa arriving on his sleigh.

 

“This marks the thirteenth 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 years ago.  “I was blown away by the toy shop which was being set up at the time, and knew that I needed to be a part of it! We are invested in our community; we have built our business and raised 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, Chief Executive Officer, 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, Warren, and Northern Morris 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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