Season of Hope Toy Drive aims to bring holiday gifts to more than 2,000 children in Sussex, Warren counties
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Project Self-Sufficiency and its community partners have launched the annual Season of Hope Toy Drive, seeking donations of new toys, gift cards and financial contributions to help bring holiday cheer to more than 2,000 children and teenagers in Sussex and northern Warren counties.
The initiative, announced Friday, Oct. 23, brings together businesses, schools, civic organizations, social service agencies and volunteers to provide holiday gifts to families experiencing financial hardship. Donations are needed immediately, with collection efforts continuing through mid-December.
Organizers are encouraging individuals, businesses, schools, athletic teams, youth groups and community organizations to coordinate toy and gift card drives to support the annual effort.
“We are inviting individuals, businesses, and organizations to coordinate drives for gift cards and toys on behalf of the low-income families in our area,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Chief Executive Officer of Project Self-Sufficiency. “The Season of Hope Toy Drive directly benefits Sussex and Warren County families in need. The items collected here stay right here. It truly is a way for neighbors to help each other during a time which can be stressful for many families.”
The Season of Hope Toy Drive has served thousands of children and teenagers throughout northwestern New Jersey over the years. Donations collected through the campaign are distributed through the organization’s annual Season of Hope Toy Shop, where parents and caregivers can select gifts for their children.
State Sen. Parker Space praised the initiative for bringing communities together and helping families during the holiday season.
“The Season of Hope Toy Drive has become a staple at the start of the holiday time in ushering in the giving spirit that helps makes the holidays so special,” said Senator Parker Space. “This effort demonstrates the extraordinary humanity and generosity that exists within our local communities because every family and child should get to experience the joy and magic of the holiday season, regardless of one’s circumstances. By spearheading this effort, Project Self-Sufficiency helps remind us that goodwill should not just be saved for the holidays because many families in our communities are in need at any given time of the year.”
Assemblyman Michael Inganamort also expressed support for the campaign and the organization’s year-round work assisting local families.
“Project Self Sufficiency changes lives all year long. The Season of Hope Toy Drive lets the rest of us return the favor,” added Assemblyman Michael Inganamort. “I’m grateful for their work and proud to stand with them once again this holiday season.”
Former state Sen. Steve Oroho emphasized the importance of community participation in helping families facing difficult circumstances.
“The Season of Hope reminds us how much we can accomplish when neighbors come together to care for and help one another,” said former New Jersey State Senator Steve Oroho. “I am proud to be included with so many in our community supporting Project Self-Sufficiency as they make sure children experience the excitement and joy of the holidays while easing the burden on families facing difficult times. I encourage everyone who is able to join us this year. Every contribution brings a little more happiness to a child and demonstrates to the family that their community cares.”
Sussex County Commissioner Director Jill Space said the campaign demonstrates the generosity of local communities and the importance of supporting families during the holidays.
“The holiday season is a time for giving, and Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope toy drive is a wonderful example of how our community comes together to support local families,” remarked Jill Space, Director, Sussex County Board of Commissioners. “These generous contributions help make the holidays brighter for children, and we are grateful to everyone who gives their time and resources to make this effort possible.”
Sussex County Administrator Christina Marks also encouraged community members to participate in the annual collection.
“The Season of Hope Toy Drive succeeds because of the collective hearts of our neighbors, schools, and local businesses,” added Sussex County Administrator Christina Marks. “We are calling on our community to help us ensure that we can provide a moment of happiness to every local child and family who needs it most this year.”
Former Sussex County Commissioner Sylvia Petillo reflected on the impact of the campaign and the volunteers who make it possible.
“The Season of Hope is a beautiful reflection of what makes a community extraordinary. Through the kindness of donors, the dedication of volunteers and the hard work of all the little elves, PSS brings people together in a shared mission of love,” concurred former Sussex County Commissioner Sylvia Petillo. “If the annual Season of Hope has taught us anything, it is that love, expressed through one gift, one meal, or one act of kindness, can grow into something far greater. It can become a force that changes hearts and makes hope possible again. That is the heart of Project Sef-Sufficiency. That is the true blessing of the Christmas Season of Hope.”
Newton Mayor Matthew Dickson said the toy drive can help ease the financial burden on families who may otherwise struggle to purchase holiday gifts.
“For Newton families facing financial strain this winter, the holiday toy drive removes the difficult choice between buying everyday essentials and buying gifts,” noted Newton Mayor Matthew Dickson. “By stepping in, the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive ensures thousands of local children can enjoy the holidays, regardless of their family’s financial situation.”
Schools join annual Stuff the Stocking competition
Schools throughout the region are also participating in the annual “Stuff the Stocking” campaign, a friendly competition that encourages students and school communities to collect toys for local children.
According to Project Self-Sufficiency, 45 elementary, middle and high schools have registered for this year’s contest. Toys will be collected and counted in early December, with Stocker Bus Company providing buses and drivers at no cost to transport donations from participating schools.
“Every year I look forward to participating in The Season of Hope Campaign,” remarked Denise Current, owner of Stocker Bus Company which supplies buses and drivers free of charge to pick up toys at every school during December. “This event provides so much joy and happiness to so many families and to those who participate. It truly epitomizes The Season of Hope.”
Eveny de Mendez, superintendent of the Vernon Township School District and president of the Sussex County Superintendents’ Roundtable, said the school campaign teaches students the importance of generosity and helping others.
“Every child deserves a holiday morning filled with wonder and every family deserves to know their community cares. When our students fill a stocking with gifts for a neighbor they have never met, they discover that kindness has real power. They learn to notice a need and respond with compassion,” commented Eveny de Mendez, Vernon Township School District Superintendent of Schools and President of the Sussex County Superintendents’ Roundtable. “We are grateful to Project Self-Sufficiency for giving our school communities a way to share both gifts and hope. In Vernon Township we believe our students lead best when they serve others, and this season they remind us what it means to be better together.”
Community volunteers help make toy shop possible
The annual Season of Hope Toy Shop relies on hundreds of volunteers who sort donations, organize gifts and assist parents and caregivers during the two-day distribution event in December.
Sussex County Community College also plays a role in supporting the program, providing resources and assistance, including culinary arts students who prepare thousands of cookies for families visiting the toy shop.
“The Season of Hope Toy Shop relies on the contributions of countless individuals, businesses, and organizations every year,” explained Berry-Toon. “We are particularly grateful to Sussex County Community College for providing the resources which enable us to serve thousands of families, including the culinary arts students who bake thousands of cookies for distribution to the patrons of the toy shop.”
Sussex County Community College President Cory Homer said the partnership reflects the college’s commitment to supporting local families and strengthening community connections.
“The Season of Hope Toy Drive is a powerful reminder that a caring community can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. Every child deserves to experience the joy and excitement of the holiday season, and every family deserves to feel supported, valued, and connected to their community,” remarked Sussex County Community College President Cory Homer. “Sussex County Community College is proud to support initiatives like Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope that bring people together, inspire generosity, and offer hope to families who may be facing difficult circumstances. These acts of kindness reflect the very best of our community and demonstrate how we can work together to build a stronger, more compassionate future for all.”
Musicians and performers also contribute to the holiday atmosphere during the toy shop. The a cappella group Harmony in Motion provided music during the campaign’s kickoff event, while additional individuals and ensembles are expected to perform holiday music at multiple locations on the Project Self-Sufficiency campus during the December distribution.
“We welcome the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement personnel, and musicians as we help thousands of parents select toys for their children,” added Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “Given the volume of children we will be serving, we are hoping that donations of funds, gift cards, and toys can be received by early December.”
Project Self-Sufficiency Leadership Council member Tim Parker attended the kickoff event dressed as Santa Claus, accompanied by his wife, Lorraine Parker, a Project Self-Sufficiency board member and retired judge.
“The compassion demonstrated by this community is overwhelming and we are looking forward to bringing these toys to local children in December.”
How to donate
New, unwrapped toys and gift cards can be dropped off Monday through Friday at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill St. in Newton. Additional collection locations throughout the region are expected to be announced.
Monetary donations are also being accepted online, and organizers are encouraging contributions as early as possible to help prepare for the December toy distribution.
For additional information about donating, volunteering or organizing a toy drive, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.
