Giulia Russo of Caldwell Honored With Volunteer Award

CALDWELL, NJ — The following article comes courtesy of the National Council of Jewish Women. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

Giulia Russo of Caldwell was presented with a Nancy and Robert Eskow NCJW/Essex Volunteer Award, bestowed to select graduating high school seniors from Essex County who have shown a commitment to making life better for others locally or globally.

Russo, a senior attending James Caldwell High School, was twelve years old when she was informed that she had a large hole (atrial septal defect) in her heart that only open heart surgery could fix. Although this information would change Russo’s life forever, the positive path she followed stands out. She became involved with the Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Coalition and has led a journal drive for the past 5 years to distribute journals to patients during treatment.

Winners of the Nancy and Robert Eskow Volunteer Award reflect the mission and values of NCJW/Essex through their commitment and dedication to community service projects and advocacy experience during their high school careers. In recognition of his exemplary contribution, Russo received a $500 scholarship and an award certificate from NCJW/Essex.

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. With more than 3,200 members, Essex County Section is the largest of the more than 100 NCJW Sections around the country. The Section was founded in 1912 and maintains offices in Livingston, N.J. For more information, visit www.ncjwessex.org.

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