The Eighth Annual Washington Business Improvement District’s Operation Jersey Cares campaign, which begins on Veteran’s Day and continues into December, has always had a terrific response among the Washington area business community, and the community at-large. There is no reason to expect anything otherwise as this annual event has always brought on a huge response.  

“The community has rallied around this project year after year,.” said Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the WBID. “In fact, businesses and people from throughout the region, not just Washington Borough, have donated tens of thousands of items over the years.”

Since its inception, the WBID campaign has been very successful and is one of the state’s top collectors for this highly regarded New Jersey program. Operation Jersey Cares has recognized the WBID several times for its involvement.  

“We expect another big response this year,” said Thiel. “Our businesses have been so amazing over the years providing support for this important cause. Their dedication and commitment in helping to get the word out and providing space in their businesses for collections has been key to the success of the program. Special shout out to residents from the Borough and the region who have always answered the call to donate.” 

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 Cares 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.

Last year’s top collector was the Sons of the American Legion in Belvidere, with 36 total boxes. This was more than twice as many as the next collector, which was 17 from Gibson’s Gym. Round out the Top 5 collectors were Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 12 boxes, Today’s Family Dental, 11, and the Warren Hills Middle School National Junior Honor Society, which brought in nine boxes. 

Among the participating businesses that will be collecting items this year are Empanada Mamasita, Esoteric Jiu Jitsu, Gibson’s Fitness Center, Honor Yoga, Gaia’s Gifts,  Philberts Pub, Warren County Dental Center, Andy’s Barber Shop, Fliegauf Jewelers, Get A Grip & More, Lina’s Chop Shop & Color Studio, William’s Irish Tavern, Two Country Chicks, Castle Family Dentistry, Smith Tractor, Pasta Grill by Enzo, Habitat for Humanity Office (Belvidere Ave.), Frantoni Fashion for Men, Rossi Chevrolet, Park Avenue Consignment, Serendipity Gift Shop, Free Spirit Salon, Hairmazing Le Crepe Cafe, Creations Salon, Warren County Liquors (W. Washington Ave.), Good Impressions Print Communications, West Washington Family Dentistry, Home Instead Senior Care, Belvidere American Legion and other locations that may be added. For the latest listing of collection sites, go to washingtonbid.org.

This program is sponsored by the Washington BID, Swift Print Solutions, and Good Impressions Print Communications, Shembre & Gannon, LLC, Visions FCU Season of Giving Program, DM Solutions, LLC, Buttzville Brewing Company

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: Dozens and dozens of boxes filled to the brim with items of troops shown here from last year’s collection.