(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- Middlesex County’s 4-H Youth Development Program hosted their 25th Project GIFT on Sunday, December 18, 2022. The annual event provides a free day of holiday shopping to over 120 families in need in Middlesex County. In addition to over 1,000 gifts, parents also had access to a gift wrap station, childcare, snacks, and refreshments.
Originally started in 1997, Project GIFT has since reached over 6,500 youth, raised almost $250,000 through donations and fundraising, given more than 20,000 gifts, and has helped teens engage in over 75,000 hours of community service through the 4-H program.
“Since it began 25 years ago, Project GIFT has made a huge difference in our community by supplying more than 20,000 gifts to Middlesex County families in need. I want to thank all the 4-H members, as well as all the 4-H advisers, for all of the hard work they put into making this year’s Project GIFT a success,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “On behalf of myself and my colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners, I just want to say how grateful we are to our County residents who have donated to this program throughout the years.”
“This is my favorite time of the year,” said Middlesex County 4-H Agent Laura Bovitz. “To see the smiles on the faces of these young people and understanding that our efforts are creating a positive impact on their lives and families, makes all the difference. There is no greater joy than to know that Middlesex County’s 4-H is helping to make priceless memories around the holidays.”
Over 75 4-H members participated in Project Gift this year, with many donating hundreds of hours of their time since the Middlesex County Fair in August to raise funds, gather donations and organize this event. The $10,000 budget came from other 4-H projects, such as the haunted house 4-H sets up every Halloween.
For more information or to donate for next year's Project Gift efforts, visit http://4hprojectgift.org/.
Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County's award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.
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