Spirit of the season shines in local towns
The holiday season is a time of giving, and nowhere is that more apparent than right here in Middlesex County. In the midst of widespread economic turmoil, of cutbacks being made in seemingly every business and household, people still find ways to help others who are going through a harder time than they are.

Throughout the year, this newspaper reports on all kinds of good deeds that occur in our communities. Time after time, we see residents coming together to assist a neighbor in need, someone who is sick, perhaps unable to pay for skyrocketing medical costs, or just facing desperate conditions.

It's no surprise then, when this time of year comes around, that we see local residents, young and old, stepping up to provide a meal, a gift or a smile to someone they've never even met. In South River on Saturday, people did all of the above, also donating blood and donating items for the troops fighting overseas.

Spotswood in particular is one place where generosity is abundant. No doubt its residents are feeling the pinch of a poor economy and a high cost of living, but that has not dampened their selfless spirit. Examples of what residents there do each year to spread holiday cheer range from the PTA's Adopt-a- Family program to the Christmas party thrown by the high school Octagon Club for special needs children. But of particular note is a small group of volunteers who have made it a tradition to bring a moment of joy to sick children spending the holidays in the hospital.

Members of the Spotswood Alliance for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse solicit gifts each year from public school children and the Kiddie Academy of Spotswood for children who are confined to a bed at Saint Peter's University Hospital or Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. After wrapping the nearly 300 gifts collected this year, Alliance President Dawn Crandall, police Sgt. Chris Bierman and retired NFL player Lonnie Allgood delivered them personally to the kids. Undoubtedly, their time in the hospital rooms and their toys and games brought a rare and sorely needed smile to the faces of these youngsters and their families. One can hardly think of a better cause.

To all the people who have stepped up this year, whether helping at a soup kitchen, donating money to those in need or sending a gift to an unknown person, your kindness is an inspiration to all. We wish you and the entire community the happiest of holidays this year. It is well deserved.