Since its inception, the campaign has collected literally tens of thousands of items to the New Jersey sponsorship program.

“It is amazing to see the outpouring of donations every year,” said John Monteverde, the Executive Director of the WBID.  “We are hoping to get our biggest response ever this year!”

Thousands of items were collected last year at many Borough businesses. Items collected this year will once again be given to officials of Operation Jersey Care for distribution to troops around the world. Items requested include a variety of toiletries such as razors, toothbrushes, shampoo, shaving cream and female hygiene products, food such as snacks, peanut butter, canned spaghetti or ravioli, soups, batteries, notebooks and pens and pencils. For a full listing of “wish list item packages” visit www.washingtonbid.org.  Items will be accepted through Dec. 23.

Among the participating businesses that will be collecting items this year are Gibson’s Gym, Honor Yoga, Gaia’s Gifts, Wells Fargo Bank, Frank Blanche Signs, Philberts Pub, Frantoni Fashion for Men, Andy’s Barber Shop, Fliegauf Jewelers, Celestine’s Catering Company, Get A Grip & More, Lost Ladies Café, Lina’s Chop Shop & Color Studio, William’s Irish Tavern, Two Country Chicks, Castle Family Dentistry, Smith Motors, Smith Tractor, Pasta Grill by Enzo, Washington Kid Care, Mae’s Place, Habitat for Humanity Office, Frantoni Fashion for Men, Rossi Chevrolet GMC Buick, PNC Bank of Washington, Aflac, Advanced Eyecare of Washington, Serendipity Gift Shop, Free Spirit Salon, Warren County Dental Center, Hairmazing, Michael Yates & Company, Washington Shoe & Leather, Coppers Salon, Good Impressions Printing & Mailing, Prevention Connections/Family Guidance, Creations Salon, Warren County Liquors (Washington Ave.), Kathy’s Kove, Isshin Ryu Karate Academy, and Fulton Bank (Oxford). Locations may be added. For the latest listing of collection sites, go to washingtonbid.org.

For more information about this program and other WBID initiatives, visit www.washingtonbid.org or call 908-689-4800. You can also check out the Washington BID Facebook page.

Photo: One of Washington Borough’s newest businesses, Free Spirit Salon, is one of many area businesses participating in the Washington Business Improvement District’s annual Operation Jersey Cares campaign, collecting items for troops around the world. Left to right in photo are Wendy Leiby, WBID Executive Director John Monteverde, WBID Administrative Assistant Melanie Thiel, owner Sophia Fleming, Laura Dickerson, Candi Nagy and Annmarie Wilcox. Free Spirit Salon is located at 37 W. Washington Avenue (Route 57).