The Season of Hope Toy Drive once again reflected all that is good in our community
To the Editor:
The dawn of a new year brings the opportunity to reflect on the gifts of the past while anticipating the possibilities of the future. We are awed by the bountiful donations which were received in support of the holiday initiatives at Project Self-Sufficiency. Because of the munificence of our friends and neighbors, more than 500 families enjoyed complete Thanksgiving feasts; the Earth Angels program provided gifts, warmth, and support to more than 80 senior citizens; and beautiful, new coats were distributed to 450 children and adults.
The Season of Hope Toy Drive once again reflected all that is good in our community. Thank you to our partners D & K Services, Intercar Mercedes Benz, Max 106.3, Newton Police Department, Off Shore Marine, Pass it Along, The Printing Center, Selective Insurance Company of America, Shop Rite, Stocker Bus Company, the Sussex and Northern Warren County School Districts, the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, Sussex County Community College, Sussex Honda, Sussex Technical School, the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots, WNNJ 103.7, and WSUS 102.3.
A record 38 schools in Sussex and Northern Warren County participated in the recent Stuff the Stocking contest, collecting thousands of toys for their fellow children and teens. Thank you, Stocker Bus Company, for providing school buses and drivers to pick up toys at the participating schools. We are indebted to the scores of talented musicians who boosted the spirits of staff, patrons, and volunteers during the toy shop. As for the countless individuals, businesses, churches, schools, restaurants, and civic organizations who donated toys, you ensured that 2,165 children and teens had gifts under their trees. More importantly, these families felt the love and compassion extended to them by all of you. We can’t thank you enough.
PSS staff is strong and resilient. In the face of rising Covid-19 infections, we have focused our approach in order to to Assess, Adapt, and Act for the benefit of those in need. For two years, we have adjusted the bulk of our programming to allow remote access to those who could not visit us in person. Consultations with parents, support groups, career center courses, parenting and family activities, and legal seminars have all been made available virtually. In addition, The Food Project continues to roll, bringing food and essential supplies to those in need. New programming, such as the PACEs initiative, brings fresh perspectives to challenges in our community.
As always, we continue to need your support. We rely on a cadre of dedicated volunteers and donors to bring our services to the individuals and families who need them most. No matter the number of hours you can volunteer or the size of your monetary donation, every gift is welcomed and appreciated. We simply cannot do our work without all of you.
Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director
Project Self-Sufficiency