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.

 

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 through mid-December.

 

“We are inviting individuals, businesses, and organizations to coordinate drives for gift cards and toys 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 a time which can be stressful for many families.”

 

“The Season of Hope Toy Drive is a testament to the strength and generosity within our communities,” said Senator Parker Space. “This initiative brings families in Sussex County together to ensure children and their families experience the joy and magic of the holiday season, regardless of their circumstances. I am grateful for the dedication of Project Self-Sufficiency and our community partners, who work tirelessly to spread goodwill and remind families that they are valued and loved.”

 

Michael Inganamort, New Jersey State Assembly, noted, “Throughout the year, Project Self Sufficiency fills a critical void for families. Now it’s our turn to add our support. I’m truly grateful for Project Self Sufficiency’s life-changing work on behalf of families in New Jersey and proud to be part of the Season of Hope Toy Drive.”  

 

“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 former New Jersey State Senator Steve Oroho. “The Season of Hope is always a shining example of how the people of our community look to help their neighbors.  I hope those who are able can contribute again this year to bring much good cheer and smiles to many needy children and their families."

 

“The Season of Hope Toy Drive reflects the very best of Sussex and Warren Counties — neighbors helping neighbors and a community coming together to ensure every child experiences the joy of the holidays,” commented Sussex County Commissioner Jack De Groot. “Each toy collected is more than a gift; it’s a message of compassion and connection that reminds us no one in our community stands alone.”

 

“Every Christmas Season Project Self Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive fills our community with a spirit of wonder and excitement,” concurred former Sussex County Commissioner Sylvia Petillo. “It embodies the beautiful act of showing love thorough kindness and giving. Every donation delivers a promise of a magical Christmas holiday and demonstrates to families in need that they are not forgotten, but are instead valued, loved and cared for.”

 

“The Season of Hope toy drive is more than just a collection of gifts,” added Helen Le Frois, Mayor, Town of Newton. “It is a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can create joy, restore dignity, and offer hope to families who need it most.”

 

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; 45 schools are registered in this year’s contest. “Every year I look forward to participating in The Season of Hope Campaign,” remarked Denise Current, owner of Stocker Bus Company which supplies buses and drivers free of charge to pick up toys at every school during December. “This event provides so much joy and happiness to so many families and to those who participate. It truly epitomizes The Season of Hope.”

 

“The Sussex County Superintendents' Roundtable Association is proud to support the Season of Hope Toy Drive again this year,” commented Dr. Joseph Piccirillo, Newton School District Superintendent and President of the Sussex County Superintendents’ Roundtable Association. “As superintendents, we interact with countless families each day and we know firsthand how many are struggling to make ends meet. We are grateful for the work that Project Self-Sufficiency does in our schools throughout the year and particularly thankful for the joy the Season of Hope Toy Drive brings our less fortunate families this time of year.”

 

“The Season of Hope Toy Shop relies on the contributions of countless individuals, businesses, and organizations every year,” explained Berry-Toon.  “We are particularly grateful to Sussex County Community College for providing the resources which enable us to serve thousands of families, including the culinary arts students who bake thousands of cookies for distribution to the patrons of the toy shop.”

 

“Sussex County Community College is deeply honored to support the Season of Hope Toy Drive in partnership with Project Self‑Sufficiency,” commented Sussex County Community College President, Dr. Cory Homer. “This initiative embodies the spirit of community, caring, and generosity that defines our County. We believe every child deserves to experience joy and warmth during the holiday season, and by coming together to donate, volunteer, and uplift one another, we help ensure that hope and happiness reach every household. Our campus stands ready to partner, contribute, and inspire others to join in making this a memorable season for families across Sussex County.”

 

“Selective is proud to support Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive through our 20th annual Build a Bike event,” said Cate Terwilliger, Senior Communications Manager. “It’s a privilege to contribute to this incredible initiative and help bring joy to families in our community.”

 

In addition to the hundreds of volunteers who sort toys and assist patrons, the Season of Hope Toy Shop benefits from the talents of numerous musicians who donate their time each year; music for the kick-off press conference was provided by a capella group Harmony in Motion.  Individuals and ensembles perform holiday tunes in multiple locations on the Project Self-Sufficiency campus throughout the duration of the two-day toy shop in December. 

 

“We welcome the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement personnel, and musicians as we help thousands of parents select toys for their children,” added Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “Given the volume of children we will be serving, we are hoping that donations of funds, gift cards, and toys can be received by early December.”

 

Project Self-Sufficiency Leadership Council member Tim Parker donned a Santa suit and was accompanied by his wife, Project Self-Sufficiency Board member and retired jurist Lorraine Parker, at the kickoff event. “The compassion demonstrated by this community is overwhelming and we are looking forward to bringing these toys to local children in December.”

 

Donated items can be dropped off Monday – Friday at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street in Newton.  For information about the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.