Ocean County Sheriff Collecting Toys and Food For Holidays

The holidays are just around the corner and while most of us get ready for fun times, there are many who are struggling right now and need your help.

For almost three decades now, the Ocean County Sheriff's Department has been holding a holiday food and toy drive each year around this time. Things continue to get worse for many families but Ocean County residents are known for opening their hearts to the less fortunate.

Facing an economic downturn, record unemployment numbers and foreclosures in every town in the state, it's not a pretty picture. Sheriff William Polhemus' office is looking for new and unwrapped toys to give to the kids as well as nonperishable foods. Bins are set up around Ocean County at various spots. They honor all requests for food for all ages and for toys, infants to children 12 years of age.

Sheriff Department Office Assistant Mary McHugh has been involved with the program for nearly 25 years. She says with each passing year the demand goes up. "So far, we've received hundreds of requests. Last year we helped close to a thousand, maybe more. This year, it will definitely be more."

Here's a list of drop-off locations:

-The Ocean County Administration Building, First Floor,

101 Hooper Avenue, Toms River

-Ocean County Clerk's Office,

118 Washington Street, Toms River

-Ocean County Justice Complex,

Hooper Avenue, Toms River

-Ocean County One-Stop Center,

1027 Hooper Avenue, Toms River

-The County Connection at the Ocean County Mall, Toms River

-Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, 119 Hooper Avenue, Toms River

For more information call Mary directly at 732-929-4756