Local businesses, first responders team up to ‘Stuff the Boat’ with toys for families in need
BRANCHVILLE BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — The twelfth annual “Stuff the Boat” toy collection, organized by Off Shore Marine in Branchville to support Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive, is officially underway.
Area residents are invited to donate gift cards, funds and new, unwrapped toys to fill a 24-foot boat stationed at the dealership at 357 Route 206. A wide network of first responders and community organizations is joining the effort, including the Branchville Hose Company, Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, Frankford Township Fire Department, Sandyston Township Volunteer Fire Department, Sussex Fire and Emergency Medical Service, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sussex Fire Department. Additional support is coming from the Wanderers Car Club, the Kiwanis Club of Sussex and Royal Buick GMC of Sussex.
Toys can be donated in several ways. New, unwrapped items will be accepted at the Branchville Fire House on Saturday, Nov. 29, from noon to 5 p.m., ahead of the Branchville Christmas Parade of Lights. Off Shore Marine will also host a Community Drop Off event on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations will continue to be accepted at the dealership through Thursday, Dec. 11.
Those who drop off toys at Off Shore Marine on Dec. 6 between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa.
“This year marks the twelfth annual Stuff the Boat collection for Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive,” said Off Shore Marine owner Sherri Cecchini, who launched the initiative after visiting the nonprofit years ago. “We are invested in our community; we have built our business and raised our family here. Putting goodness into the world is the right thing to do, and if we each contribute where and what we can, together we can make a real difference.”
Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon praised the collaboration between businesses and first responders.
“This unique collaboration between local businesses and area first responders perfectly demonstrates the true spirit of giving during this holiday season,” Berry-Toon said. “Now more than ever, we are grateful for this community’s steadfast commitment to our neighbors in need. Thousands of families will be helped by this initiative.”
The Season of Hope Toy Drive provides holiday gifts for thousands of children across Sussex, northern Morris and Warren counties. Donations of toys, gift cards and monetary support are also being accepted at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Newton campus at 127 Mill Street, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information and online donation options are available at projectselfsufficiency.org or by calling 973-940-3500.
