TRENTON – County Executive Brian M. Hughes met with members of the Capital Health Department of Volunteer Services on Thursday, April 8 to donate over 700 children’s books for inpatient and outpatient children.

The vast variety of books were originally donated to Mercer County’s 2020 Census program by two generous County residents who wanted to assist with higher Census participation during the 2020 pandemic.

“Play and recreation are a natural part of childhood, and vital to a child’s healthcare experience,” Mr. Hughes said. “Play and recreation can be therapeutic by giving children the opportunity to explore, express and process their healthcare experiences in a safe and non-threatening environment. Reading to toddlers and pre-school children is highly recommended so I hope today’s donation provides every child that visits Capital Health a comforting experience.”

Books were also donated to the Head Start/Early Head Start program of Children’s Home Society of New Jersey and Quality Child Care Program of Children’s Futures. Children’s Home Society serves over 500 children throughout Mercer County. Children’s Future serves hundreds of families across central New Jersey.

Pictured from left, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes; Secretary of Volunteer Services for Capital Health Suzanne D’Aversa; and Manager of Volunteer Services for Capital Health Dipti Padliya.