Marie Alfano is the founder and president of Joining Hands, a volunteer-run non-profit that helps terminally ill and permanently handicapped children and their families. Marie works closely with local oncology units to donate head scarves and lap blankets for children and adults undergoing chemotherapy.  She has organized an annual toy and gift drive to assist local hospitals, shelters, churches, and schools. She is a leader in her community. Marie takes over the scene with her passion and delegates responsiblities to complete strangers, while accomplishing the intended goal. Local students in East Brunswick have collected mittens to help Joining Hands’ outreach to local families in need. Kindergarteners also collected pennies to pay for the bills of a family who lost their home to a fire. Her sense of commitment and leadership continues to be a inspiration to all who meet her.  Marie partners with a large group of nurse case managers, who help distribute scarves to local hospitals. Making a difference is what is important to Marie.  Marie is known not only for her compassion to all that meet her but also her sense of commitment and leadership to all she touches. Her various volunteer activities speak volumes, louder than words.