Mary Porcello
*Photo Courtesy the City of South Amboy

Press Release

SOUTH AMBOY – The New Jersey State Governor’s Awards are the state’s official recognition for community service.  Honorees of the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award achieve measurable community impact and represent outstanding acts of public service, without the expectation of recognition or compensations. Recipients demonstrate unique vision, dedication, tenacity of heroic proportion and serve as an inspiration to others.  

On Sunday, September 12 longtime South Amboy resident Mary Porcello, who was nominated for this prestigious honor by Senator Joseph Vitale [D – 19th District], was among those honored by Governor Murphy in a ceremony at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton.

Mary has volunteered in her community for many decades in particular as the coordinator for the Food Bank at the First Presbyterian Church.  During the pandemic where the need for supplemental groceries increased dramatically, she took on the added responsibility of seeking out new sources and building relationships to ensure that the vital work of her team of volunteers could continue.

“Mary is a stellar example of volunteerism in our community” said Mayor Fred Henry.  “Her boundless energy and enthusiasm are only eclipsed by her dedication to those in our community that need help”.

A thirty-year resident of the City, Mary serves as an elder for the congregation.  In the past year under Mary’s stewardship the First Presbyterian Church Food Bank in alliance with the Food Bank at Saint Mary’s Church provided over 42 thousand pounds of food to those in need.

“I am not an island unto myself,” said Mary.  “During the pandemic many members of the community reached out to support our collective efforts, in particular the Friends of South Amboy and the City’s first responder community.”