Local Business and Emergency Responders Stuff a Boat with Toys

The annual “Stuff the Boat” toy drive coordinated by Branchville business Off Shore Marine to benefit the Season of Hope Toy Drive has been launched. Area residents are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to fill a 2018 Mastercraft XT20 ski boat. Members of the fire departments in Branchville, Frankford and Sussex, along with the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad and the Sussex Ladies’ Auxiliary, will also contribute toys during a festive community drop-off event on Saturday, December 8th, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Season of Hope Toy Drive benefits thousands of children in Sussex and Northern Morris and Warren counties. The initiative is spearheaded by Project Self-Sufficiency in conjunction with a consortium of local businesses, schools, social service agencies and civic organizations. The Stuff the Boat initiative at Off Shore Marine will continue to accept toy donations through Friday, December 14th.

“I have been very blessed in my life and I have the opportunity to share these blessings,” remarked Off Shore Marine owner Sherri Cecchini. “I believe in the opportunities Project Self-Sufficiency offers to the people it serves which allow them to create a better life for themselves and their families. The toy drive is just one part of that vision and that is where we try to help.”

“This unique collaboration between a local business and area emergency responders perfectly demonstrates the true spirit of giving during this holiday season,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “This community is unique in its commitment to its neighbors in need. Thousands of families will be helped by this effort. We are truly grateful.”

The toy drive is a joint effort coordinated by Project Self-Sufficiency, along with its partners First Hope Bank, Gravity DesignWorks, iHeartMedia, Inc., Intercar Mercedes Benz, Off Shore Marine, Pass it Along, The Printing Center, The New Jersey Herald, Selective Insurance Company of America, Service Electric Broadband Cable, Sparta Train Station, Stocker Bus Company, the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, Sussex County Community College, Sussex Honda, and the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

Contributions of new, unwrapped toys for the Stuff the Boat campaign will be welcomed at Off Shore Marine, 352 Route 206 in Branchville through Friday, December 14th. Gift items and monetary donations will also be gratefully received at Project Self-Sufficiency, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton, Monday – Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. or Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Donations are requested by December 14th at Project Self-Sufficiency in order to allow ample time for the items to be distributed to needy families. To make a donation online, or for more information, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.