HOLIDAY BOUNTY: Please donate, please volunteer

‘Holiday Wish Program’ in Princeton
    Princeton Human Services is seeking donors for its 10th annual Holiday Wish Program.
    For the past nine years, a coalition of Princeton Human Services, township and borough employees, local businesses and private donors have made hundreds of economically deprived Princeton children’s holiday wishes come true by providing them with at least one gift.
    Hundreds of applications have been distributed in both the township and the borough. Children up to age 12 are asked to list up to three items they would like for the holidays. The donors can “adopt” one or more children by supplying them with one or more of the items from their wish list, which is not to exceed $50.
    If you are interested in becoming a donor, call Princeton Human Service at 609-688-2055 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., no later than Dec. 5.
Coat/Sweater/ Blanket Drive in Plainsboro
    With the arrival of winter and plummeting temperatures, Plainsboro resident Kelly Sommers is launching a one-woman warming trend. The Kean University graduate student is encouraging residents to dig into their closets, cedar chests and drawers to donate unused sweaters, coats and blankets to benefit Trenton’s Lifeline Emergency Shelter.
    Plainsboro Public Library, which already hosts a dropoff point for the County Food Bank, wasted no time in offering support for the young woman’s charitable effort. The beauty of such campaigns, according to library director Jinny Baeckler, is that they carry no hidden costs, no invisible overhead charges. Every single item goes directly to people in desperate need.
    Donations may be dropped off at the library beginning Saturday and running through Saturday, Dec. 6. Ms. Sommers will deliver the items to the shelter.
    Plainsboro Public Library is located in the Municipal Complex at 641 Plainsboro Road. For directions, call 609-275-2897 or visit www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
United Way of Mercer appeal
    As the cold weather approaches and the December holidays are upon us, United Way of Greater Mercer County is holding its annual Holiday Gift Drive. Each year United Way asks the public to help by donating new, unwrapped gifts. They want to make sure that every child in Mercer County will have a gift to open.
    “Please help us spread holiday joy. While you are out purchasing gifts for everyone on your holiday list, pick up something to donate. This year it could be going to your neighbor who is struggling like never before,” says Craig Lafferty, United Way’s CEO.Some gift ideas include ethnic dolls and action figures, games, batteries, educational toys, sport equipment, books and coloring books, hats, scarves, gloves, art supplies/ craft supplies, and gift cards.
    “The requests for support have started coming in months earlier than in the past several years. We are getting an overwhelming number and hope to help every family that we can. The support of our community is so important, says Ely Mateo,” vice president of Resource Investment.
    Please note: Gifts cannot arrive wrapped, but United Way would appreciate donations of wrapping paper, tape and ribbon.
    Another great way to participate is to volunteer by helping collect gifts and sort and package them.
    For more information, to make a donation, or to volunteer, call Ely Mateo at 609-637-4918 or visit www.liveunitedgreatermercer.org.