Bergen County Launches 2011 'Holiday Project'

Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan and Director of Human Services Jane Linter are prepared to bring good cheer to those in need this holiday season as their annual Holiday Project gets underway.

The Divisions of Bergen County Human Services including Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV), Disability Services, Office for Children and Veterans Services seek donations, gifts and sponsorships that will allow them to spread the warmth and care of the holiday season to their clients, those most in need among Bergen County residents.

“We are coming up on the time of year where the humanity in all of us universally manifests itself in the spirit of giving. Bergen County’s vulnerable populations, served by our Department of Human Services, are especially deserving of support at this time,” said Bergen County Executive Donovan.

Human Services Director Jane Linter detailed her department’s efforts on behalf of its clients.

“Our Division for Alternatives to Domestic Violence offers a children’s gift program for children who have been profoundly affected by violence in their homes. They also have an Adopt-a-Family program that distributes food, clothing and gifts,” Linter explained.

“We also serve children of low-income families in Bergen County through our Office for Children. This office is asking for donations of new toys and clothing to brighten this particularly difficult holiday for all the children in its care who receive subsidized assistance,” Linter continued.

County Executive Donovan applauded the annual holiday efforts of the Division of Disability Services through the distribution of holiday baskets containing food and toiletries to their homebound disabled Meals-on-Wheels clients. She also noted that the Division of Veterans Services provides gift certificates for food and other items to more than one hundred veterans who are homeless, homebound or otherwise in need.

“With the support of the community, Bergen County residents served by our Human Services team will not be forgotten this holiday season,” Donovan said. “Everyone deserves to enjoy a little holiday cheer as we bring Bergen County together to spread some joy during this time of year.”

For those wishing to donate gifts or sponsorships to the Bergen County Human Services 2011 Holiday Project or would like additional information, call Project Coordinator Gina Meyers at 201-336-7455.