Season of Hope Toy Drive Benefits Children in Northwestern New Jersey

A consortium of local businesses, educators and non-profit organizations gathered to kick off the annual Season of Hope Toy Drive with a challenge to individuals, schools and businesses serving Sussex and Northern Warren County: Collect enough toys by mid-December to enable thousands of children to have a memorable and happy holiday. Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders Member Rich Vohden addressed the group clad as Santa Claus to punctuate the importance of the effort. Holiday carols were provided by local a cappella group Harmony in Motion.

The toy drive is a joint effort which is driven and coordinated by Project Self-Sufficiency, along with its partners Charm, The Chatterbox Drive In, iHeartMedia, Inc., Intercar Mercedes Benz, Pass it Along, Selective Insurance Company of America, Service Electric Broadband Cable, the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, Sussex Honda, The New Jersey Herald, The Printing Center, and the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots to benefit local families in need. The group aims to gather thousands of new and unwrapped items to distribute to families in need during mid-December.

Project Self-Sufficiency Board of Directors member Kathy Esposito and her husband, Lou Esposito, will be serving as co-chairpersons of this year’s Season of Hope Toy Drive. “We are so excited about The Season of Hope Toy Drive this year! We hope to exceed our efforts from last year when the toy drive gave gifts to 2,100 children in our local community,” explains Kathy Esposito. “This year, our goal is to collect 20,000 toys! However, it’s not just about the toys. The toys represent the feeling of Christmas, and the ability to help isolated families is a gift that is returned tenfold. Being self-sufficient doesn't mean being alone. Let's all help each other out during this Season of Hope.”

The annual Season of Hope Toy Drive has served thousands of children in Sussex County 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. Area elementary schools, middle schools and high schools will once again be invited to participate in a competitive “Stuff the Stocking” campaign. Last year’s winning school, Green Township, narrowly edged out Newton High School to win the celebratory trophy.

"The community of Green Hills has always believed in supporting and helping those in need, and they have communicated this ideal to their children. Every year my students are excited about having the opportunity to brighten someone's holiday by stuffing the stockings!" said Seth Cohen, Principal of Green Hills School.

“We are searching for individuals, youth groups, social service agencies, scouting troop, moms groups, churches and other organizations which will step in and coordinate 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 a difficult time of the year.”

Girl Scout Ruby Esposito, a member of Troop #225 and a longtime volunteer at the Season of Hope Toy Shop, created Project Toys 4 Teens in pursuit of her Gold Award during last year’s effort. Once again, the initiative aims to collect 2,000 items targeted specifically for teenagers in need. “Every year there is a great amount of toys collected for toddlers and children. However, there is a lack of teen toys and I feel that I could make a difference,” Esposito points out.

Sussex County Freeholder Rich Vohden summed up the significance of the season and the toy drive, saying, "I believe that this Season of Hope Toy Drive is an opportunity for us to invite the entire community to help us make this a special, unforgettable Christmas season for children who might not receive any gifts without the help of this community. The true spirit of Christmas lies in giving, not only to our families and to ourselves, but also to those less fortunate than us."

A wish list has been assembled for those who want to contribute, but may be unsure of what to donate. Items needed for teens include electronics, such as calculators, watches, portable music devices, computer games and software, popular CD’s; make-up, perfume, scented lotions, hair dryers, hair straighteners, curling irons; jewelry and accessories; sports equipment and team gear, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats; popular books; clothing and pajamas; and backpacks.

Items sought for younger children include books; legos, blocks and building toys; action figures; DVD’s and CD’s; electronic learning games; infant toys; multicultural dolls and toys; Play Doh; trading and collectible cards; matchbox cars; trendy toys.

In addition, donation of gift cards, wrapping paper, gift bags, gift boxes and stocking stuffers are always appreciated.

Gift items can be dropped off at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street in Newton, Monday – Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Donations are requested by Wednesday, December 14th in order to allow ample time for the items to be distributed to needy families.

For information about the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.