We’re grateful to those who make a difference

It seems only fitting that at this time of year we publish the latest installment of our “People Who Make a Difference” series. The holiday season and the approaching new year are for many of us a period of reflection and celebration.

Just about everyone who touches our lives “makes a difference” in some way. But with our stories in this package, Greater Media Newspapers seeks to bring into the spotlight a few examples of those people who we believe deserve to be recognized for their unrelenting efforts to help their communities, seeking nothing in return beyond perhaps a “thank you” or the knowledge that they have helped someone in need.

There are many, many people in our coverage area alone who go above and beyond in volunteering to help people they’ve never met before. They are firefighters and first aid squad members, the food bank and soup kitchen workers, the people who help with clothing and toy drives. They are the women’s and Rotary clubs, and the many charity organizations that pitch in to help where possible. They are the town officials who take no salary and spend hours each week helping to guide their community. The list is virtually endless.

In this issue, we offer as examples an East Brunswick group that finds a way each week to meet a high demand for food, clothing and other aid; a rescue squad member who for 45 years has been helping people when they need it most; a Sayreville woman who takes other senior citizens wherever they need to go and provides friendship along the way; a small pool of people who keep the food bank operating in Old Bridge; and a woman who dedicated years of her life to cheering up terminally ill children.

The timing of these stories is also poignant in light of the tragic death last week of East Brunswick Rescue Squad President Fred Goldberg. For more than two decades, Goldberg has provided an invaluable service to the people of his town. He also did much for the squad itself, holding administrative positions and pursuing the Length of Service Awards Program.

We are thankful for his tireless efforts to help others and for his leadership with such an important organization. And we express our sympathies to his family and friends.

Our communities would be far worse off without the people within them who care enough to take time out of their busy day to help others, especially those who are experiencing misfortune in some way. We at Greater Media Newspapers believe that these volunteers are examples of true leaders, and we are grateful for all they do.