The Fifth Annual Washington Business Improvement District’s Operation Jersey Cares campaign has had a terrific response from businesses and residents over the years and it is hoped that this year the response will be bigger than it has ever been. 

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

“We are so proud of how this program and how it has been embraced over the years by the community and grown,” said Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the WBID.  “Our businesses have really been a big reason for the success of the program. Their dedication in helping to get the word out and providing space in their businesses for collections is greatly appreciated! And residents from the Borough and beyond have been so giving it is amazing.” 

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. 20.

Among the participating businesses that will be collecting items this year are Washington Candy Closet, Your CBD store, Ally to Ash, Empanada Mamasita, Gaia’s Gifts, Esoteric Jiu Jitsu, Gibson’s Gym, Honor Yoga, Gaia’s Gifts, Wells Fargo Bank, Frank Blanche Signs, Philberts Pub, Frantoni Fashion for Men, Warren County Dental Center, 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, Hairmazing, Michael Yates & Company, Washington Shoe & Leather, Coppers Salon, Creations Salon, Warren County Liquors (W. Washington Ave.), Isshin Ryu Karate Academy, Good Impressions Printing and Mailing, 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.