By Somerset County Board of Freeholders
The next “Buy One, Bring One” (BOBO) collection of food and personal-care items for needy families in Somerset County will be held Friday, July 15. Public drop-off locations include:
§ Somerset County Administration Building, 20 Grove St., Somerville
§ Somerset County/Bridgewater Library, North Bridge Street & Vogt Drive, Bridgewater
§ Park Commission Headquarters, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater
§ Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge
§ Lord Stirling Stable, 256 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge
Look for the blue “BOBO Friday” bins at these locations.
Canned or boxed food items are accepted at the administration building and library. Personal-care items, including bath soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper, also are collected since these items are not covered by food stamps.
Canned food or personal-care items only are collected at the Environmental Education Center, Lord Stirling Stable and Park Commission Headquarters; boxed food cannot be accepted at these locations, as it may be exposed to the weather or small animals.
Freeholder Deputy Director Patricia Walsh launched “BOBO Fridays” in July 2010, first as a way for county employees to help supplement the Food Bank Network of Somerset County’s monthly food supplies, and then as a way for the public to donate as well. The program has collected over 5,300 pounds of donations to date.
The third Friday was chosen for the BOBO program so that donations would be delivered by the end of the month, when the Food Bank Network needs them most. However, the bins are available every day, not just on the third Friday, so donations may be dropped off at any time during regular business hours at all locations.
