Next 'BOBO Fridays' Food Drive is July 18

Freeholder Patricia Walsh has announced that Somerset County’s monthly “BOBO Fridays” food drive has collected more than 16 tons of donations in its first four years. 

The next “Buy One, Bring One” (BOBO) collection of food for Somerset County families and individuals in need will be held Friday, July 18.  

“As we celebrate the fourth anniversary of this very successful program, I want to thank everyone who has contributed,” said Freeholder Walsh, who launched the program in July 2010.  “The Food Bank Network and its clients are grateful for your continuing support. 

“When the idea for this program hit me, I had no idea that the support, devotion and overwhelming charity of all those involved would reach these levels,” she said. “We are so blessed in Somerset County to have residents and employees who care, share and give. Thank you from my heart.”

Canned or boxed food items are accepted.  For ideas about healthy foods to donate, go to http://bit.ly/FoodPantryDonations

Look for the blue BOBO Fridays bins at these county locations: Somerset County Administration Building, 20 Grove St., Somerville; Park Commission Headquarters, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater; Lord Stirling Stable, 256 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge; and Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge.

Local libraries hosting the bins include the Bound Brook Memorial Library, Bridgewater Library, Manville Library, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library (Rocky Hill), North Plainfield Library, Peapack-Gladstone Library, Somerville Public Library, Warren Township Library and Watchung Library.

Towns that have BOBO Fridays bins in their municipal buildings are Bedminster, Bound Brook, Franklin, Green Brook, North Plainfield and Raritan. 

Even if you miss one of the monthly collection dates, the blue BOBO bins are available every day, so donations may be dropped off at any time during regular business hours at all locations.