Somerset County Sees Greater Need For Donations Due To Pandemic

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — The Somerset County Sheriff's Office is once again collecting toys for the holidays for families in need. This year, even more so, toys are needed as more families are struggling due to the financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We can all make a difference especially this year with so many families feeling the impact from COVID who can use a little extra Christmas hope," said Sheriff Darrin Russo. "Residents can make a difference and help fill children's hearts with joy by donating."

This year, Russo said the sheriff's office is collecting toys for three organizations including Toys For Tots, the Matheny House in Peapack, and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

Due to the pandemic, Russo said it will be harder this year to get donations as more people are not going out as much, and finding drop off locations was also a challenge.

"It was tough to find drop spots as many places don't want people coming into their facility or lots of places are closed," said Russo due to the social distancing. "Donations are down, giving is down. There is a greater need now."

Additionally, Russo said the gifts need time to quarantine before being donated so all toys must be donated by Dec. 11.

To help families as much as he can, Russo set up a Toys For Tots drop-off at the Sheriff's headquarters located in the lower level of the Somerset County Administration Building at 20 Grove St. in Somerville. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday through Dec. 11.

Toys For Tots donations should be new or unwrapped, safe (non-choking hazard toys for infants and toddlers), and age-appropriate for both boys and girls. The ages of gift recipients range from newborn up to 14 years of age. Toy gun replicas and gift cards will not be accepted.

For those who do not want to venture out but still want to donate, Russo said they can do so online. The Matheny House has a wish list set up online by clicking here.

The sheriff's headquarters is also collecting donations for the DCP&P. Here is their Christmas wish list:

• Hoodie (Sizes: M – XL)
• Movie Theater Passes
• Books
• Sports Equipment (Basketballs, Footballs, Over the Door Basketball Hoops)
• Socks (Fuzzy Fleece)
• Slippers
• Nike Slides (All sizes)
• Bath & Body Works Gifts Sets
• Games (UNO, Spot It Games, Card Games)
• Men’s Body Wash and Cologne Set (Axe, Dove, Etc)
• Any type of toy cars (Hot Wheels, Race Car Track Sets)
• Barbies (Dolls, Doll Sets)
• Arts/Crafts (Slime Kit, Bracelet Kit, Scrapbooking)
• Baby Toys (V-Tech Toys, Playskool or Fisher Price)
• Lego Sets
• Baby Items (Any size diapers/wipes/baby blankets)
• Toy Farm or Dinosaur Animals
• Play Kitchen Sets, Pretend Food, Shopping Cart (Toy)
• Play Doh Sets
• Gift Cards (Itunes, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Target, Walmart, Mall Gift Card, Shoprite, Quick Check, Wawa, McDonalds, Wendy’s)
• Interactive Toys
• Toys that have sand
• Batman (DC or Marvel Figures)
• Play Dress Up Clothes
• Puzzles
• K’net Building Sets
• All sizes of Pajamas (MUST be new)
• All sizes of body clothes (MUST be new)

For more information about Toys for Tots donations, contact Sheriff’s Officer Joe Bialiy at 908- 231-7197, email Bialiy@co.somerset.nj.us, or visit www.toysfortots.org.

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know about a local organization that should be profiled, contact alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.