Basking Ridge Has Two Locations for Friday's Collection For Food and Other Items for Needy

Two Basking Ridge locations will be accepting donations Friday for Somerset County's next “Buy One, Bring One” (BOBO) collection of food and personal-care items for needy families in the county.

Public drop-off locations include:

The 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge

, 256 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge

Somerset County Administration Building, 20 Grove St., Somerville

Somerset County/Bridgewater Library, North Bridge Street & Vogt Drive, Bridgewater

Somerset County Park Commission Headquarters, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater

Look for the blue “BOBO Friday” bins at these locations. Items later will be delivered to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County.

Canned food or personal-care items only are collected at the Environmental Education Center, Lord Stirling Stable and Park Commission Headquarters. Boxed food cannot be accepted at these locations, as it may be exposed to the weather or small animals.

Canned or boxed food items are accepted at the administration building and library. Personal-care items, including bath soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper, also are collected since these items are not covered by food stamps.

Freeholder Deputy Director Patricia Walsh launched “BOBO Fridays” in July 2010, first as a way for county employees to help supplement the Food Bank Network of Somerset County’s monthly food supplies, and then as a way for the public to donate as well.  The program has collected over 5,300 pounds of donations to date.

The third Friday was chosen for the BOBO program so that donations would be delivered by the end of the month, when the Food Bank Network needs them most.

However, the bins are available every day, not just on the third Friday, so donations may be dropped off at any time during regular business hours at all locations, according to Somerset County.