The Ocean County Sheriffs Office (OCSO) is holding their annual toy drive, already underway to help those who don't have much to enjoy a nice holiday season.

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"We're here to help, we don't turn anybody away," said Lt. Joseph Greene of the OCSO.

He adds that they're holding this toy drive to help families that are struggling to make ends meet, have a joyous season of hope and thanks.

"The word is out there," said Greene. "Year after year, the sheriff's office is able to provide for families in need and I think that now people are a little more comfortable asking for help."

Last year, nearly 1,000 kids received gifts under the tree as a result of this drive, Greene adds, and any family in need again this year can sign up as well via the Sheriffs Office website.

"We don't ask any questions, we'll provide toys for your family," Greene explains.

With the toy drive underway as we turn the calendar to December tomorrow morning, the Sheriffs Office is again showing us that sometimes giving is better than receiving.

"It's important because there's so many families that are struggling, day-to-day and living paycheck-to-paycheck," said Greene.

Greene explains that this time of year can become heavy on some families, so along with the Chiefs of Police they're running this drive to help soften that burden.

The success that this drive has had in the past, Greene adds, wouldn't be possible without the "phenomenal" support of the public.

"We depend on the public to give during the holiday season," said Greene. "We've been very fortunate to have such great support for this cause and we look forward to it again this year."

But usually around this time each year, Greene explains, the toy drive does a great service for the community in helping provide a little bit of warmth during the chills of winter.

"As the holidays come, people look to the sheriffs office for support," said Greene. "Year after year because of the generous support of the public, we are able to lend that support to these people."

Whether you're in need of some toys this holiday season or you're able to donate a toy to help someone by putting a smile on their face, Greene says there are some deadlines coming up you need to know.

"The deadline for filing to receive toys this year is going to be December 14," said Greene. "I'd like to get all of the forms in before December 14 so we can start to process these orders."

The deadline for donations is December 21, Greene adds, so they have enough time to deliver the toys to people.

“It’s gratifying that so many people in the past have donated and helped," said Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy. "We are hoping to see the same response this year to helping our neighbors. We are collectively asking the citizens to do what they can to help.”

Here is a full list of toy drop locations from the Ocean County Sheriffs Office:

  • 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.
  • Ocean County Library branches in Brick, Lacey, Toms River, Barnegat, Stafford, Manahawkin and Waretown.

 

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