Lacey Teen Launches Initiative To Give Back To Community

LACEY, NJ — One local teen is aiming to better his community through a community initiative.

Through the Dan Toner Project, 17-year-old Dan Toner is focusing on giving back to Lacey.

"So far I’ve already held a food drive back in November and have met with three businesses and nonprofits," Toner told Patch. "As we go into spring and summer I’ll be ramping up the process."

"The project is about giving back to the Lacey Township community through hands-on service," Toner said.

Toner, chairman of the Ocean County High School Republicans, has a two-year plan for his project:

1. Hosting food drives and donating to the Lacey Food Bank
2. Holding fundraisers for each first responding agency in town
3. Holding beach cleanups at each of Lacey's lakes
4. Meeting with local business owners and posting their stories on his social media

His recent food drive was an "overwhelming success," Toner said.

You can expect to see more of Toner in the coming years - not just through his initiative, but through his political aspirations as well. Toner's future goals include improving education in Lacey, so don't be surprised if you see his name pop up on your ballot sometime.

For the latest on what the Dan Toner Project is doing, check out the initiative's Instagram page.