Doing Good in Bergen County
Whether they’re helping a hero dog and her owner or preparing lunches for homeless families, Bergenites find ways to make others smile.
In the year since the coronavirus outbreak began in Bergen County, we learned that a pandemic might cause us to alter the way we do things, but it wouldn’t fully stop us from working, learning, entertaining and doing things that just make us (and others) feel good.
Every Dog Has Its Day
Teaneck resident Brian Myers knew he was saving a dog’s life when he adopted Sadie, a 6-year-old German shepherd, from Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc. (RBARI) in Oakland a few months ago. Little did he know that Sadie would return the favor. Last week, Myers collapsed at his home after suffering a stroke. Realizing something was wrong, Sadie licked Myers’ face to keep him awake and pulled him to his phone on the other side of the room. Myers used the phone to call for help and credits Sadie for saving his life.
As Myers recovers from the effects of the stroke, his biggest concern was how he would provide for Sadie while he shouldered the cost of medical care. That’s when then RBARI community answered the call, rallying and collecting $14,000 to cover any future needs for Sadie.
“Your generosity will go a long way in helping me with medical expenses and my ability to give Sadie the best life and care possible,” Myers says of the donations.
Doing Good in the Neighborhood
During the pandemic, many Bergenites have been pitching in to help WGT NJ (We God This) in its mission to support the homeless community in Newark. This past week, the Morello family in Oakland spent a day preparing more than 100 lunches to be handed out to WGT’s clients. Check out their efforts here:
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Then there’s the New Jersey Division of The Salvation Army, which has provided a steady helping hand throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 17, 2020, the organization, including its volunteers at the Hackensack location, has served nearly 6.7 million meals (hot dinners, to-go style lunches and groceries) to those in need. Through Jan. 1, Salvation Army centers throughout the state have offered 58,346 nights of safe shelter for individuals and families.
Casting Call
The Borough of Westwood established Arts on the Avenue last year as a way to give quarantined residents a safe outlet for creativity and entertainment. It was such a hit that the program is slated to return for a second year. We are still in a pandemic, remember? The Celebrate Westwood committee is seeking musicians, dancers and other entertainers for the 2021 showcase, which will take place on select days throughout the summer at various locations in the downtown district. All Bergen County residents can apply to be a part of the lineup.
