’Stuff the Boat’ toy drive begins

The twelfth annual “Stuff the Boat” toy collection coordinated by Branchville business Off Shore Marine to benefit Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive has been launched.

Area residents are encouraged to bring gift cards, funds, and new, unwrapped toys to fill a 24’ boat at the dealership, which is located at 357 Route 206 in Branchville. A wide range of first responders and area businesses and organizations are gathering toys to Stuff the Boat on behalf of the Season of Hope Toy Drive, including members of the Branchville Hose Company, the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, Frankford Township Fire Department, Sandyston Township Volunteer Fire Department, Sussex Fire and Emergency Medical Service, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sussex Fire Department, along with the Wanderers Car Club, Kiwanis Club of Sussex, and Royal Buick GMC of Sussex.

Toys can be contributed to the Stuff the Boat initiative in a variety of ways. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Branchville Fire House on Saturday, Nov. 29 from noon until 5 p.m., before the Branchville Christmas Parade of Lights.

Those who drop off toys at the Branchville dealership on Dec. 6, 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., will also be treated to photos with Santa.

“This year marks the twelfth annual Stuff the Boat collection for Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive,” said Off Shore Marine owner Sherri Cecchini, who was inspired to launch the effort after dropping off a bag of toys and touring the non-profit agency years ago. “We are invested in our community; we have built our business and raised our family here. Putting goodness into the world is the right thing to do, and if we each contribute where and what we can, together we can make a real difference.”