Help make this a "Season of Hope"

My wife, Faith, and I are honored to have the opportunity again this year to chair the “Season of Hope” toy drive. Our goal is to collect 10,000 gifts for low-income families in the area.

Toys are needed for children of all ages, from infancy through adolescence. People don’t often think of teenagers when they are shopping for toy drives, but these kids need help, too.

Faith and I are proud to be a part of this effort to make the holiday season exciting and memorable for all the families with children in our community that could use a little extra help. This is all about the kids, and what’s good for our kids is good for our community.

We were excited last year to do our small part in the collection of thousands of toys. We were inspired by the support of the community. But we were not prepared for the gratifying experience of watching the parents come here to select gifts for their children.

All kids love Christmas. It’s a special, magical time of the year, filled with hope and anticipation. We are helping these children who might not, in this economy, receive any gifts without your help.

With your help, we can all help Santa make this a more memorable Christmas for those children. Toys can be dropped off at Project Self-Sufficiency, which is located at 127 Mill St. in Newton, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., or Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., between now and Dec. 20.

Christmas is not about receiving. The true spirit of Christmas lies in giving, not only to our families and to ourselves, but also to those less fortunate than us. Working together, we can help keep this spirit alive. We can reach our goal of 10,000 gifts. We can make this an unforgettable holiday for a lot of children who might not otherwise know the joy and wonder of this Christmas “Season of Hope.”

Richard Vohden, Sussex County Freeholder, Co-Chairperson, Season of Hope Toy Drive

Faith Vohden, Co-Chairperson, Season of Hope Toy Drive