Christine Meehan is a caregiver for a husband with dementia. She lives in Cape May County but helps those in both counties. She was a patient care coordinator for a dementia center and found the need to help other caregivers in both communities by starting a magazine called Dementia care 101. She found that the elderly don't navigate the internet, or know the keywords to use to find their answers when searching for community resources that can help them navigate the Alzheimer's/dementia journey. This one stop shop and very informative magazine is so helpful to so many people in both counties. She has been a lifesaver to so many people from professionals in the field to family members and caregivers alike. She is very resourceful and is always there to assist, guide and direct. Her quarterly magazine is sough after and this is her way of giving back to the community. As a caregiver herself and watching her own husband decline, she is providing the resources even doctors are giving out to their patience. We are so thankful that she can help so many people with her magazine. Caregivers feel so isolated and alone, but reading this uplifting and encouraging magazine has helped caregivers find the support and answers they are looking for.

Alex Bland is a regular guy who uses his time and money for the community just to make a difference. He inspires and mentors children in Bridgeton for Pathstones , a youth program helping them reach their goals in life and keep them on a positive path and out of the streets. He is a Scout master in Woodbine Troop and Pact 77, and also a volunteer at the food bank for SOAR church in Woodbine. Since July He has worked with the Woodbine Rec to provide a basketball clinic, kickball game, and a movie night for the the community. August 24th I held an event called on “A Night To ReMarvel”, where he showed the children true heroes of the community like police officers and the firefighters. September 29th, he held another event called “Welcome Fortnite to Woodbine” at the Franklin Street Park. This event got the kids off the videos games and outside for some physical activities with an obstacle course and other activities that people of all ages enjoyed. He also started a program titled “Grandpals” that will keep the elderly people connected to the community by the way of pairing them with a younger individual to write them by mail and even get help on yard work. This just pass December he threw an event at the Rio Grande Family Success Center for the children. With no company and just shear will he has made things happen and I am proud to nominate him.

In Cape May County there’s one name associated with kindness:John Lynch. John started a program called “Thumbs Up for Kindness.” He goes out into the community during his lunch break to talk to students about the meaning of kindness. He interacts with the kids and gets them to understand how easy it’s to help each other and those in need. He makes them understand that kindness sometimes is as easy as giving a thumbs up to someone having a bad day.
John constantly is helping families in need from his “Winterfest” to help families who are struggling financially due to a loved one’s sickness.
During Christmas he runs a toy drive “The Lynch Who Stole Christmas from the Grinch” where he helps 300 local families.
John is constantly doing for everyone around him and there’s nothing better than returning kindness to someone who spreads it everyday.

Angela Seri Krukauskas started a food pantry on Boston Ave in Egg Harbor City.
She had to fight the city to keep the pantry.
She has provided over 150 filled backpacks for school children of all ages. She provided over 259 kids with at least three presents each for Christmas.
She make bags of personal care produces for the Atlantic City missions as well. Anyone that needs something food, clothing, furniture, appliances, just anything she reaches out and gets it for them.
She fills her food pantry twice s day. It is time consuming but Angela just gives and gives. No1hungryinEHC is her Facebook page.
She is our Angel!

In January 2018, Joan Marks established Happy Hour for Hunger. She put the idea out to retired school teachers to be a part of giving back to the hungry citizens of Atlantic County. Each month, we would meet at the home of a member who would sponsor the happy hour with food and spirits. Members would come and contribute money to be given to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Joan chaired the meetings, sharing information about the needs of the underfed in our county. We decided to make monetary donations since more meals could be purchased than just donating canned goods. Joan also arranged for members to volunteer at the food bank in Egg Harbor Township. Also, Joan and four other members went to Stockton University to see how we could contribute to their food bank for needy students. Happy Hour for Hunger has 21 members. We donated $2,769 to the food bank in 2018, which provided approximately 900 meals. I am extremely proud to be a member of Happy Hour for Hunger. Joan Marks' passion and vision make her very deserving of the Giving Back Award.