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

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 28^th. 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 8^th, or stop by the dealership’s Community Drop Off Day on Saturday, December 5^th, 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.

Local Pediatrician Headlines Unique Event for Parents

 

Pediatrician Dr. Christian Canzoniero will headline a special Pregnancy & Infancy Summit at Project Self-Sufficiency, Thursday, November 19^th, 10:00 a.m. – noon. This unique event will spotlight critical issues faced by expectant and new parents during pregnancy and through a child’s early years; free baby items, valuable prizes, and giveaways will also be offered to attendees. Free and reduced cost activities for families and other topics related to early childhood health, safety and education will also be explored. Lunch will be provided; childcare is available upon request. Photographer Julian Huarte will take professional photos of parents and children.

 

“The Pregnancy & Infancy Summit invites expectant parents and mothers and fathers of young children to gain valuable information about pregnancy and child development, along with expert advice about health and wellness,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Chief Executive Officer of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are excited to be able to offer an opportunity for these families to gain the information and resources they need to become successful parents.”

 

In addition to pediatrician Dr. Christian Canzionero, representatives from numerous organizations will be in attendance including Project Self-Sufficiency’s Nurse Family Partnership team; the Center for Family Services; DASI; DAWN Center for Independent Living, Early Intervention Program; Family Connects NJ, Universal Home Visitation program; Ginnie’s House; Partnership for Maternal Child Health; Safe Kids Northern New Jersey; SIDS Center of New Jersey; Sussex County Library; Wellness Center Pediatrics; Zufall Health Center; and others.  Several agencies will also offer brief presentations about their services.

 

The Pregnancy & Infancy Summit supplements Project Self-Sufficiency’s robust programs for pregnant women and parents of young children, including home visitation programs, Baby Beginnings events, Mommy Parties, and Parent Cafes. To register for the Pregnancy & Infancy Summit, to discuss your parenting needs, or to find out more about other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Workshops Promote Trauma Prevention, Support Survivors

 

To facilitate the conversation about issues surrounding childhood trauma, Project Self-Sufficiency will offer the “Connections Matter” workshop in English, Tuesday, November 17^th, 2:00 p.m., and in Spanish, Wednesday, November 18^th, 2:00 p.m.  Tips for protection, prevention, and promoting resilience within the community will be discussed. The workshops are free, hosted on Zoom, and open to the public; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 to receive log-in details. 

 

Speakers will address the impact of adverse childhood experiences on social, emotional, and cognitive development, and offer tips and strategies for building resilience.  Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are widely recognized as falling into three distinct categories, abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction.  Examples of negative behavior said to result from ACEs include smoking, alcoholism, drug use, absenteeism, and lack of physical activity.  These behaviors can cause a cascade of physical and mental health problems, from diabetes to cancer to suicidal thoughts.  It is estimated that approximately 67% of the population has experienced at least one adverse childhood experience.

 

The Connections Matter curriculum invites providers, parents, and community members to build caring connections to improve resiliency.  Discussion during the workshops will focus on understanding adverse childhood experiences and demonstrating how caring connections can serve as a primary buffer in the negative effects of trauma.  The training is appropriate for parents and providers raising and teaching school aged children.  The workshops are funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey. 

 

Project Self-Sufficiency is bringing together professionals, providers, and parents who are committed to increasing awareness of the impact of childhood trauma on juvenile development, future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity.  “Our goal is to help make our community a place in which every child can thrive by providing education and training on adverse childhood experiences and assuring safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Chief Executive Officer Deborah Berry-Toon. “Protection, prevention, and resilience promotion can profoundly improve health according to recent discoveries in neuroscience, epigenetics, and epidemiology. The tools identified in these workshops can positively impact public health, safety, and productivity, and reduce public and private costs now and for future generations.”