OCEAN COUNTY – ‘Tis the season for giving, especially to those less fortunate.
That’s why the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office is collecting toys for needy children. The drive collects new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages up until Dec. 20. Toys for children aged 10 and older are especially needed.
Drop-offs are at the following locations:
- Ocean County Clerk’s Office, Ocean County Courthouse, 118 Washington St., Toms River
- Ocean County One Stop Center, 1027 Hooper Ave., Building 2, Toms River
- Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Ave., Toms River
- Ocean County Southern Service Center, Routes 9 and 72, Manahawkin
- County Connection, Ocean County Mall, JC Penney Wing, Hooper Avenue, Toms River
- Ocean County Training Center, Volunteer Way, Waretown.
- The following library branches: Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick Township; Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River; Manchester Branch, 21 Colonial Drive, Manchester Township; and the main branch of the Ocean County Library at 101 Washington St., Toms River.
Last year, toys were collected and given to more than 1,300 children in more than 400 families throughout the county, Sheriff Michael Mastronardy said.
“We are again working with the Ocean County Police Chiefs Association and local police departments in order to make sure families that are in need are served by the program,” Mastronardy said. “It’s gratifying that so many people want to donate and help.
“This year the number of requests for toys has already surpassed last year,” he said. “We are hopeful through the generosity of our citizens we can help those who have signed up.”
Families who need assistance from the toy drive can fill out an application by the Dec. 12 deadline. They are encouraged to visit co.ocean.nj.us/OCsheriff or call 732-929-2161. Toy distribution is scheduled for Dec. 15 and 16.
