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 2,500 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 from October through mid-December.

“We are inviting individuals, businesses, and organizations to coordinate drives for gift cards and toys 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 time which can be stressful for many families.”

“The Season of Hope Toy Drive is a testament to the strength and generosity within our communities,” said Senator Parker Space. “This initiative brings families in Sussex County together to ensure children and their families experience the joy and magic of the holiday season, regardless of their circumstances. I am grateful for the dedication of Project Self-Sufficiency and our community partners, who work tirelessly to spread goodwill and remind families that they are valued and loved.”

“Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive provides a unique opportunity for families who struggle with holiday expenses to have a joyful and merry Christmas,” said Senator Doug Steinhardt.  “The Season of Hope Toy Drive is a great way to give back to the community to help more kids, and their families, have a memorable holiday.  I am extremely thankful for the hard work they are doing to spread cheer and goodwill this upcoming holiday season for the families of Warren County.”

Michael Inganamort, New Jersey State Assembly, concurs, saying, “Project Self Sufficiency provides critical support to families twelve months out of the year. Now is the time for us to add our support, given the added financial burden families face during the holidays. I’m grateful for Project Self Sufficiency’s partnership in support of stronger, healthier, happier families.”  

Ron Tappan, Sussex County Administrator, notes that “Sussex County is a better place because of Project Self-Sufficiency.”

“Each year during the holidays, the Season of Hope campaign helps bring joy and happiness to thousands of disadvantaged children. I am always pleased to take part in such an enriching and joyful event,” said former New Jersey State Senator Steve Oroho. “The Season of Hope is always a shining example of how the people of our community look to help their neighbors.  I hope those who are able can contribute again this year to bring much good cheer and smiles to many needy children and their families.”

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; 45 schools participated in 2023 and organizers hope to surpass that number this year. “I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the Season of Hope Campaign,” 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 fulfills the hopes and dreams of many children and families during the holiday season.”

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

“The Season of Hope Toy Shop relies on the contributions of countless individuals, businesses, and organizations every year,” explains Berry-Toon.  “We are particularly grateful to Sussex County Community College for providing the resources which enable us to serve thousands of families, including the culinary arts students who bake thousands of cookies for distribution to the patrons of the toy shop.”

“The college is honored to participate in and support the Season of Hope every year,” noted Sussex County Community College President Jon Connelly. “The message of generosity, supported by all, in this event speaks to the values of Sussex County. We are proud to be a part of it.”

In addition to the hundreds of volunteers who sort toys and assist patrons, the Season of Hope Toy Shop benefits from the talents of numerous musicians who donate their time each year; music for the kick-off press conference was provided by a capella group Harmony in Motion.  Individuals and ensembles perform holiday tunes in multiple locations on the Project Self-Sufficiency campus throughout the duration of the two-day toy shop in December. 

“Selective is proud to once again support Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive. This event spreads joy and magic across the local community and within Selective,” said Cate Terwilliger, Communications Manager, Selective Insurance. “Our nearly 20 years of participation is a unique holiday tradition, as employees are already gearing up to assemble and donate more than 50 bikes, contribute toys and clothes, and volunteer in the Toy Shop to help make the holidays special.”

“We welcome the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement personnel, and musicians as we help thousands of parents select toys for their children,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “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.”

Project Self-Sufficiency Leadership Council member Tim Parker donned a Santa suit and was accompanied by his wife, Project Self-Sufficiency Board member and retired jurist Lorraine Parker, at the kickoff event. “The compassion demonstrated by this community is overwhelming and we are looking forward to bringing these toys to local children in 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.

About Project Self-Sufficiency Project Self-Sufficiency has assisted low-income individuals and families in northwestern New Jersey since 1986.  Services offered at Project Self-Sufficiency include high school equivalency education, computer courses, employment skills training, job placement services, support groups, parenting classes, childcare and preschool, legal assistance and education, counseling and advocacy, referrals, and help with emergency basic needs, like food and clothing.  For more information about the programs and services offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.