Thursday April 27, 2006

By Terry Gauthier Muessig
Staff Writer

The Barbara Davis Employment Services at 68 White Street in Red Bank will be wrapping up its Baby Bundle Drive May 5. The fund-raising event is gathering supplies to assist mothers and families in need in Monmouth County. This is the second year the agency has conducted the fund-raiser, said Davis, an Atlantic Highlands resident.

"The fact is a great deal of people need our help in our communities," Davis said.

The Project was started by the United Way of Monmouth County. Davis is a board member of the organization.

"Project Linus donated 340 baby blankets," she said. "It is so nice to see others wanting to help and take the time to make things for others in need."

Project Linus New Jersey volunteers knit baby blankets to be distributed to children in hospitals and women's shelters. Hillary Roberts of Hazlet, the organizer of Project Linus, said she read about the Baby Bundle Drive last year but it was after the drive had ended.

"We felt very bad that we could not contribute," she said.

She made a note of what month the drive was being held and contacted Davis at the onset of the drive this year. Davis has been collecting items for about three weeks.

Donated items must be new. They can include clothing in any size, small to large, diapers, baby bottles, strollers, car seats, blankets and toiletries.

Items are accepted from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the agency. Call (732) 219-9552 for more information.