Field of Hope to benefit local agencies and Hurricane survivors

SUSSEX COUNTY-Pass It along is running its fourth annual Field Of Hope Drive to help meet the critical needs of the surrounding community. The program was originally designed by a Sparta football player who wanted to find a way to pay homage to the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. He thought up a program where each of the high schools would set collections at every home football game. This year, the designated Field of Hope week is Sept. 10-24. The collections will take place at all after-school activities as well as sporting events. Volunteers will collect new baby items, new or gently worn coats and jackets, toiletries, water bottles and canned goods, for local non-profit agencies. First Hope Bank is sponsoring the event, and will collect the same items in Sussex County at their Andover and Sparta branches. Along with helping to supply the needs of local families, collections will also be taken to help survivors of Hurricane Katrina. 1.Personal Health Kits: bath towel, hand towel, wash cloth, comb, toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, bars of soap, non-aerosal deodorant. 2. Hope-in-a-Box Kits: Designed to help children who have been impacted by disaster. This is not a toy kit - it is a gift that will make a true difference in addressing immediate hygiene and emotional needs of traumatized children. Pack in a 6.5-quart flexible plastic container with lid: a small stuffed bear, small soft ball, small musical instrument, 6 x 9 non-spiral bound construction paper (60 - 100 sheets, Slinky, yo yo, seven-foot jump rope, comb, toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, box of crayons, large eraser, new pencils, pencil sharpener, 12 inch ruler, pair of blunt children's scissors. Tie container securely with ribbon. For more information visit passitalong.org or call 973-726-9777.