Ocean County Sheriff's Annual Toy Drive In Full Swing

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy is asking residents to open their hearts this holiday season and contribute to his department's annual toy drive for needy children.

“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 in the past have donated and helped. We are hoping to see the same response this year in helping our neighbors.”

Last year more than 300 families were helped and 900 children received toys from the annual campaign. Items are especially needed for children ages 10 to 15 years old, according to a county press release.

New and unwrapped toys can be dropped off at a number of locations throughout Ocean County until Dec. 20 including the 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 and the Ocean County Training Center, Volunteer Way, Waretown.

Toys can also be dropped off in bins at the following Ocean County Library branches: Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, Lacey Branch, 10 Lacey Road, the main branch at 101 Washington Street in Toms River, the Barnegat Township branch at 112 Burr Street, the Stafford Township branch at 129 North Main Street in Manahawkin and the Waretown branch at 112 Main Street

Residents who need help with toys this Christmas, please register with the Sheriff’s Department by filling out the Sheriff’s Toy Drive Application Form by Dec. 13. You can find the form at the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office website home page at www.co.ocean.nj.us/OCsheriff., or call 732-929-2161 for information on requesting assistance or for providing donations. The toys will be distributed on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17.

“On behalf of Ocean County, I want to extend my appreciation to everyone involved in this program,” Sheriff Mastronardy said. “This toy drive can make a big difference especially for children. That is what the season is all about.”

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