Season of Hope Toy Drive for Sussex and Warren NJ Kids Launched

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 throughout November and early December.

“We are searching for individuals, businesses, and organizations to 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 holiday season is a time for us to come together to support those in need and teach our own children the value of making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate,” said New Jersey State Senator Steve Oroho. “It is truly a privilege to participate in the Season of Hope campaign, an initiative that helps bring joy and happiness to thousands of disadvantaged children every year. I hope everyone who can contribute will take the time to make a donation and embrace the spirit of generosity that this season inspires."

Ron Tappan, Administrator for the County of Sussex, noted, “I am so proud to serve as the Administrator for a County which provides such a great opportunity for children in our community who otherwise would not receive gifts at the holidays. The process gives these children a new vision of hope.”

“The Sussex County Office of the New Jersey Department of Education is always delighted to donate the first holiday gift in support of the children of our county and the great work that is being done by Project Self Sufficiency,” commented Executive Sussex County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Carrick.

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; 38 schools participated in 2021 and organizers hope to surpass that number this year. “The Season of Hope Campaign not only brightens the lives of those families that receive, but it also fulfills the lives of those who give,” remarked Denise Current, owner of Stocker Bus Company which supplies buses and drivers free of charge to pick up toys at every school in December. “It is a wonderful time for all that participate.”

“The Sussex County Superintendents' Roundtable Association is proud to support the Season of Hope Toy Drive again this year,” commented Dr. Joseph Piccirillo, Hopatcong 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.”

“Selective’s support of Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive is a holiday tradition,” said Katelyn Leondi, Director, Public Relations, Selective Insurance. “This year, we are helping children and teens in our community by donating coats to the Holiday Toy Shop. In addition, we are gearing up for our annual Build-A-Bike competition – over the years, Selective’s employees have assembled and donated more than 300 bikes to the Season of Hope Toy Drive. During the holidays and always, our ability to give back to those in need makes the holidays even more meaningful.”

In addition to the hundreds of volunteers who sort toys and assist patrons, 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. Individuals and ensembles perform holiday tunes in multiple locations on the PSS campus throughout the duration of the two-day toy shop in December.

“We are tremendously excited to be returning to our normal mode of operation after two years of modifications to comply with public health guidelines during the early stages of the pandemic,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “We welcome the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement personnel, and musicians as we help thousands of parents select toys for their children. 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.”

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.