Lauren O’Connor
Lauren O’Conner organized and coordinated a day of service on Sept. 11, 2011, uniting local youth and others to beautify a park. The event culminated with the planting of an American Sycamore tree, the same type found between the World Trade centers on Sept. 11 and a plaque honoring those who lost their lives on that day 10 years earlier and the heroes that responded. This was the only event held in the township commemorating this event and was attended by more than 50 volunteers, including speeches from the mayor and other township dignitories.
Thanks to Lauren there is now a peaceful spot to come and honor the ones we lost. The event inspired other youth in the township to think about doing similar projects in the future, and also, as a result the township arborist is trying to implement a program in which she will work with the youth of the township on similar initiatives.
Lauren’s initiative to create positive action in her community on such a powerful and emotional day is what makes her a Daily Point of Light.
Kathy Roth Douquet
Bonnie Carroll
The Volunteer Center of Bergen County
Geoff Deutsch
Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin
Mark Smith
Share Our Strength
Share Our Strength aims to end childhood hunger by 2015. Its highest priority is to make sure that every child in America gets the nutritious food he or she needs to learn, grow and thrive. The organization partnered with Points of Light during Make Your Mark week to help kids lead service project focused on nutrition and hunger issues. Share our Strength and Points of Light are working together to support ongoing hunger-related volunteer efforts.