'Local Hero' From Morristown Earns $50K Russ Berrie Award

MORRISTOWN, NJ — One resident of Morristown was among those honored as part of the annual Russ Berrie Making a Difference Awards for 2022.

Earlier this month, the Russell Berrie Foundation honored 12 "unsung heroes" from across the Garden State for their compassion and dedication to serving vulnerable members of their community.

This year's awardees included:

Diana Mejia of Morristown: Mejia founded Wind of the Spirit over 20 years ago to provide support and legal services for immigrants and undocumented people in multiple communities in New Jersey. As a committed immigration advocate, Mejia has pushed for humane and just policies that allow immigrants to live with dignity and contribute fully to their communities.

Mejia was awarded $50,000 for all her work in her community.

The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has been given to New Jersey residents whose outstanding acts of service and heroism have had a significant impact on the lives of others since 1997.

This year, awards totaling $165,500 will be presented, bringing the total amount awarded since 1997 to $3.9 million, according to the organization, to 408 honorees, each of whom has an inspiring story to tell about how they made a difference.

"Our communities need more heroes – good-hearted people with an innate kindness – who give all of who they are to tackle problems others hesitate to attempt, "said Angelica Berrie, president of the Russell Berrie Foundation.

"From activists fighting injustice and systemic inequities to neighbors helping neighbors struggling with basic needs, the remarkable individuals we honor this year have taken action to be the change we need to see in this world," Berrie said.