Project Self-Sufficiency seeks holiday donations for more than 100 Sussex County seniors
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Project Self-Sufficiency is seeking monetary donations, gift cards and other items for its annual Earth Angels initiative, which aims to bring holiday cheer to more than 100 senior citizens in Sussex County this Christmas season.
The nonprofit organization is collecting donations through Friday, Nov. 20, to help provide holiday gift bags to older residents who may otherwise feel overlooked during the holidays.
In mid-December, students enrolled in Project Self-Sufficiency’s New Jersey Youth Corps high school diploma program will assemble festive bags filled with gift cards and holiday items. Volunteers and agency staff will then deliver the bags to senior citizens during the week leading up to Christmas.
“The Earth Angels program invites all of us to demonstrate compassion for those in our community who may feel overlooked or forgotten during the busy rush of the holiday season,” comments Project Self-Sufficiency Chief Executive Officer Deborah Berry-Toon. “Our vulnerable seniors need our support, and we are extremely gratified by the outpouring of concern shown by those who donate to this valuable service year after year.”
The organization is requesting monetary contributions and gift cards from local retailers, including Kohl’s, ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Walmart and Weis Markets. Donations of note cards, postage stamps, pet food, coffee, tea, candy and packaged cookies are also welcome.
“This year we expect to bring holiday cheer to more than 100 senior citizens in our area,” remarked Earth Angels Project Coordinator Alice Prendergast. “This program also gives us the opportunity to meet with our older neighbors, find out what they need, and introduce them to the services we offer throughout the year.”
The Earth Angels initiative was established in 1999 by Newton attorney Elenora L. Benz, who enlisted the help of staff member Mary Jones, clients, business colleagues and community volunteers to provide holiday assistance to local seniors.
Project Self-Sufficiency took over the program in 2017 and has continued expanding its reach throughout Sussex County.
Although many recipients live at Liberty Towers in Newton and Homestead in Frankford Township, the program has grown to include senior citizens in other communities across the county.
Monetary donations can be made online through Project Self-Sufficiency’s website. Checks should be made payable to “Project Self-Sufficiency,” with “Earth Angels” written on the memo line.
Checks and gift cards can also be dropped off Monday through Friday at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill St. in Newton, through Nov. 20.
Senior citizens interested in registering to receive gifts through the Earth Angels program, or anyone seeking additional information, can contact Alice Prendergast at 973-940-3500.
