‘Thank You!,’ say Ocean County Library and Children in Need for Successful Sparks Toiletries Drive

TOMS RIVER – Hundreds of youngsters in need and the Ocean County Library’s Homebound and Volunteer Services are expressing deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the record-setting July “Sparks’ Best Friend Forever Reading Club Toiletries Collection Drive.”

Throughout the month, collection bins in six OCL branches filled continuously with new, wrapped personal care items such as hair combs and brushes, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, hair conditioner, bucket hats, deodorant, insect repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and sandals.

“The Homebound and Volunteer Services Department would like to give a special “thank you” to the residents and patrons of the Brick, Upper Shores, Long Beach Island, Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant Borough and Toms River branches for providing donations to our first-ever summer collection drive,” said Kelly Nichols, the Library’s Coordinator of Volunteers.

“We were able to provide the two Ocean County locations of the Division of Child Protection and Placement with more than 1,300 items, especially summer essentials,” she added. “Based on your participation, Ocean County Library continues to fulfill our mission to Connect People, Build Community and Transform Lives.”

The OCL Home Borrowers Service assigns trained, vetted volunteers to deliver and retrieve Library items for patrons who cannot physically visit a branch. The Mobile Library serves patrons in nearly 40 Ocean County life care facilities, delivering and collecting items monthly. Books by Mail offers in-home access of the library’s collection to residents who are unable to visit or are not assisted by a Volunteer. Learn more at https://www.theoceancountylibrary.org/services/homebound.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.