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 gift cards, funds, and new, unwrapped toys to fill a 22’ long 2020 Nautique GS22 sport boat at the business, which is located at 352 Route 206 in Branchville. Off Shore Marine will also accept Kohl’s Cash certificates which will be redeemed for items appropriate for teens. Members of the fire departments in Branchville, Frankford, and Sussex, along with the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, the Sussex Fire Department Emergency Medical Service, and the Sussex Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Wanderers Car Club, and the Sussex Kiwanis Club are also gathering items on behalf of Off Shore Marine. The Stuff the Boat initiative at Off Shore Marine will continue to accept toy donations through Sunday, December 20th.

“We have been very blessed in our lives and we have the opportunity to share these blessings,” remarked Off Shore Marine owner Sherri Cecchini. “We 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 first responders perfectly demonstrates the true spirit of giving during this holiday season,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “Now more than ever, we are grateful for this community’s steadfast commitment to our neighbors in need. Thousands of families will be helped by this initiative.”

The Season of Hope Toy Drive benefits thousands of children in Sussex and Northern Morris and Warren counties. The effort is driven and coordinated by Project Self-Sufficiency, along with its partners First Hope Bank, Gravity DesignWorks, Intercar Mercedes Benz, Max 106.3FM, The New Jersey Herald, Off Shore Marine, Pass it Along, The Printing Center, Selective Insurance Company of America, Shop Rite, Stocker Bus Company, the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, Sussex County Community College, Sussex Honda, Sussex Technical School, United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots, WNNJ 103.7FM, and WSUS 102.3FM to benefit local families in need.

Contributions of new, unwrapped toys for the Stuff the Boat campaign will be welcomed at Off Shore Marine, 352 Route 206 in Branchville through Sunday, December 20th. Toys, gift cards and monetary donations will also be gratefully received at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street in Newton, Monday – Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. or Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To make a donation online, or for more information, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.