Contact: Paula Sollami Covello at (609) 989-6465 or pscovello@mercercounty.org

TRENTON - Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello and the employees in the County Clerk's Office are once again reaching out to hold two holiday food and supply drives to benefit children and animals. The County Clerk's Office is partnering with The Children's Home Society of New Jersey to sponsor a drive for children in need by collecting toys and clothing. They are also collecting food and supplies for animals at The Trenton Animal Shelter since animals are often forgotten at this time of the year.

"I want to thank the staff of the County Clerk's Office for their generosity of spirit for participating in these drives each year," said Mercer County Clerk, Paula Sollami Covello.

She further invited others to join in donating to these causes asking anyone who would also like to participate to drop off goods for children or for animals to bring them to the Mercer County Clerk's Office. "We will make certain they are distributed during the week of December 21st to those in need," she added.

The Mercer County Clerk's office also wants every child to have a very special holiday. The Children's Home Society of New Jersey is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1894 that helps at-risk infants, children, youth, and families achieve their potential. Through this organization, the Clerk's office will donate clothing and toys to children whose families participate in this program.

The Trenton Animal Shelter is a public service unit that operates through the Trenton Department of Health and Human Services. This agency is designed to house Trenton's domestic animals who have been neglected. The goal of the Trenton Animal Shelter is to educate the public on proper animal care.

Anyone who wishes to contribute is asked to drop items off at the Mercer County Clerk's office through Thursday, December 17, 2015, at the Courthouse Annex. The Annex is located at 209 South Broad Street in Trenton NJ 08608.