Recognize unsung heroes

Since Hurricane Sandy hit, the people of New Jersey have seen an unprecedented outpouring of love and kindness from thousands of “neighbors” from all corners of The Garden State.  Since the day after the storm hit and for weeks, going on months now, a steady stream of volunteers has answered the call to provide  a hot meal, warm clothes, a place to stay, muscle for clean-up, help in accessing services and rebuilding efforts.  Many have organized friends and family, collected funds and supplies, lead efforts through social networking sites and on the ground to refill libraries and restock homes and schools.  We all know someone who has stepped up in this unique time of need, people who think of others first, whose hearts are only matched by their willingness to take action. 

None of these special people would recognize themselves as particularly special; they see service to others as “just what they do”.  That is exactly why these unsung heroes deserve our thanks and recognition.  The NJ State Governor’s Jefferson Awards is currently accepting nominations for the 2013 awards and the nomination process is as simple as entering a 300-word essay online. 

The Jefferson Awards for Public Service was founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sam Beard and Senator Robert Taft, Jr. as the “Nobel Prize for Public Service”.   Here in New Jersey, every spring the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards recognizes 20 special people in categories including:  Emergency Services, Good Neighbor, Environmental Stewardship, Service to Youth, and more.  This year, a special category has been added for Hurricane Sandy Response.  To nominate a deserving volunteer or public servant for a Jefferson Award, visit www.njgovernorsawards.com before January 15, 2013.