The seventh and eighth grade Cadette Girl Scouts from H.B. Whitehorne Middle School Troop 20528 are holding their annual holiday toy drive for children in need. New, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off in a donation box at the Learning Express toy store at 643 Bloomfield Avenue in Verona. The Cadettes will be collecting until Friday, December 15.
This year marks the fifth year that the girls have collected toys for the local community. Last year, the girls began offering gift tags for donors to collect at Learning Express and shop for a specific child. General donations are also welcome. This year, the Cadettes also want to stress that donors should consider donating items that older kids may enjoy. Children in need are all ages.
Last year, with the support of the community and other girl scout troops, the group collected over 300 toys and clothing items for children in foster care in Essex County, and children receiving services from DCPP Paterson, Oasis – A Haven for Women & Children, Ronald McDonald House, Jersey Battered Women’s Services and others. There is an even greater need this year for children of all ages.
