Library will be collecting for Operation Sleighbells

Long Branch — To celebrate its 100th year serving the Long Branch community, the Long Branch Library will be collecting “100 things” each month to donate to various community organizations. During June they are collecting toys for Operation Sleighbells, the signature program of Family & Children’s Services of Monmouth County.
Founded in 1909, Family & Children’s Service (FCS) is Monmouth County’s oldest private nonprofit social service agency.

The agency offers diverse programs and services that address homelessness; neglect, abuse or exploitation; health and respite care; financial instability due to physical, developmental or mental disabilities; childhood literacy and obesity; long-term care planning and Medicare counseling.

All of its programs and services are provided regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, language spoken or physical and/or mental ability.  And while FCS partners with many organizations and government agencies, in many cases, they are the sole county-designated provider of unduplicated services and the last hope for individuals, families and seniors in crisis.

Operation Sleighbells traces its roots to 1909, the year FCS was started. Today, it enlists hundreds of local businesses, churches, clubs, organizations, individuals and families to provide gifts of warm coats, hats, gloves, toys, books, baby items and other supplies for families who may be struggling financially or facing other challenges during the holiday season, which can be a difficult time of year.

Operation Sleighbells serves more than 1,500 children annually throughout Monmouth County.  It is unique in that both the sponsor and the recipient remain anonymous, allowing parents and guardians to provide holiday gifts without having to reveal how they were obtained.

Family and Children’s Services has been providing services and solutions for more than 100 years, and the Long Branch Free Public Library is proud to support them. During the month of June, please drop off donated items to the Main Library.

For more information, please call Kathryn Angelo, librarian, at 732-222-3900, Ext. 2270.