Giving thanks during Season of Hope

Project Self-Sufficiency would like to thank Co-Chairpersons Richard and Faith Vohden, and our partners, Pass it Along, The New Jersey Herald, Clear Channel Radio, Intercar Mercedes Benz, Sussex Honda, Mugs Media, and The Chatterbox for their tremendous assistance during the 2013 Season of Hope Toy Drive. Our immense gratitude is also due to all of the members of the community who donated toys, or the funds to purchase toys. We are fortunate to live in Sussex County, a place which is unique in its sense of community, spirit and generosity towards its neighbors in need. Our community rallied to help those who are less fortunate, despite the difficult economic situation faced by many in our area. New and unwrapped toys were contributed by individuals, schools, businesses, scouting troops, civic organizations, and churches. Several local businesses came up with creative ways to involve employees and members of the public in generating toy donations on behalf of our low-income neighbors. Scores of volunteers baked dozens of cookies, assisted with the distribution of toys, and performed holiday music for our patrons. Members of the Newton Police Department graciously volunteered their time to keep our patrons safe. Thanks to the generosity of our Sussex County neighbors, we met our goal of collecting 10,000 toys! We were able to assist more than 800 families, providing toys to more than 1,500 children. We are grateful to everyone for their support, and we wish everyone a safe and healthy New Year!

Deborah Berry-Toon
Executive Director, Project Self-Sufficiency