Pair Of Holiday Drives Underway In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ — A pair of annual holiday drives are underway in Princeton. One is the town's annual holiday gift drive, while at the same time, the police department is collecting coats for those in need.

Princeton’s Human Services Department is seeking donors for its 19th annual Holiday Gift Drive. For the past 19 years, Princeton Human Services, municipal employees, local businesses, and private donors have made hundreds of Princeton children’s holiday wishes come true by providing them with gifts for the holidays.

Last year, Princeton received more than 250 applications for children up to age 12. This includes 1-2 gifts they would like to receive for the holidays, not to exceed $75.

Anyone interested in becoming a donor is asked to visit www.princetonnj.gov/human-services.html or fill out the following form by clicking on this link: https://seam.ly/MF7Kd3or by Thursday, Nov. 30. They can also call the office at 609-688-2055 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Additionally, the Princeton Police Department is hosting its fifth annual coat drive from Oct. 23 through Nov. 20. They are collecting new or gently used winter coats and other suitable cold weather clothing that are in good condition for both children and adults. Coats will benefit those in need in Princeton.

“Our Coat Drives see donations routinely reach 2,000 pounds and we can only hope that we surpass that number in 2017,” the police department said in the announcement. “We appreciate your anticipated participation and support.”

Donations are being accepted at Princeton police headquarters located at 1 Valley Road. For more information, contact the Princeton Police Safe Neighborhood Bureau at 609-921-2100, ext. 5 or email fwilliams@princetonnj.gov.

Patch file photo