The annual Season of
Hope Toy Drive was launched by Project Self-Sufficiency and a consortium of businesses, schools, and social service
agencies today. The massive undertaking
aims to provide gift cards and new, unwrapped toys to parents and caregivers of
more than 2,000 children and teens in the New Jersey counties of Sussex and
Northern Warren. The toy drive is a
joint effort which is driven and coordinated by Project Self-Sufficiency, along
with its community partners, to benefit local families in need. Donations are needed immediately and can be
made in-person at the Newton agency. Additional
toy drop off sites throughout the area will be added shortly. Monetary donations are also accepted online.
“We are searching
for individuals, youth groups, social service agencies, scouting troops, moms’
groups, churches, and other organizations which will step in and coordinate
gift card and toy drives on behalf of the low-income families in our area,”
noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “The Season of Hope Toy Drive directly
benefits Sussex and Northern Warren County families in need. The items collected here stay right here. It truly is a way for neighbors to help each
other during this extraordinarily challenging time.”
The annual Season
of Hope Toy Drive has served thousands of children and teens in northwestern
New Jersey for many years. The
initiative solicits donations from individuals, businesses, civic
organizations, schools, youth groups, athletic teams and other groups
throughout November and early December.
“Each year during
the holidays, the Season of Hope campaign helps bring joy and happiness to
thousands of disadvantaged children. I
am always pleased to take part in such an enriching and joyful event,” said New
Jersey State Senator Steve Oroho. “As we are still dealing with the effects of
the pandemic, so too have many children’s lives not returned to what they were
in 2019. Because of this, I hope those
who are able can contribute this year to bring much good cheer and smiles to
many needy children and their families."
"Christmas
is always an exciting time at Project Self-Sufficiency, where the spirit of
Santa Claus sweeps across the county creating a sense of wonder and hope for
children of all ages,” Sussex County Commissioner Sylvia Petillo added. “Thanks to the overwhelming donations from our
community, Christmas morn for countless families will be bursting with giggles,
smiles, thankfulness, and love."
Area elementary
schools, middle schools and high schools have been invited to participate in a
competitive “Stuff the Stocking” campaign.
Toys are picked up and counted in early December; 29 schools have
registered to date, a slight decline from previous years which organizers
attribute to the impact of the on-going public health crisis.
“The Season of
Hope Toy Drive brings excitement to our schools by seeing which school can
collect the most toys,” explains Mike Ryder, Hardyston School District Chief
School Administrator. “But the real excitement comes from a child's joy
at receiving that special toy, it comes from a child's belief in holiday
magic, and it comes from a child knowing that they live in a community that
cares for one another.”
The Season of
Hope Toy Shop benefits from the talents of hundreds of musicians each year; music
for the kick-off press conference was provided by Harmony in Motion. Normally, individuals and ensembles perform
holiday tunes in multiple locations on the PSS campus throughout the duration
of the two-day toy shop in December. Due
to current public health restrictions, patrons will not be allowed inside the
buildings this year, so shoppers will be entertained by a hybrid of
livestreamed and previously recorded performances by ensembles and individual
musicians.
“The pandemic has
upended business as usual for our day-to-day operations and the Season of Hope
Toy Drive has also had to be significantly modified to comply with social
distancing guidelines and other factors,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency
Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.
“Traditionally, the toy shop is operated during a 2-day period in
mid-December and welcomes the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, law
enforcement personnel, and musicians as we help thousands of parents select
toys for their children. Under the
current circumstances, the toy shop will now have to operate during November
and December and public health guidelines prohibit the presence of numerous
staff and volunteers on site. Therefore,
we are asking that donations of funds, gift cards, and toys be received by
early December.”
Donated items can
be dropped off at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street in Newton, Monday –
Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For information about the Season
of Hope Holiday Toy Drive, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or
visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.
