TELL US: Who Makes a Difference in Reading or North Reading?

Your neighbor who volunteers at the library, your child’s bus driver, and the Little League coach in your community may not seem to have much in common at first glance.

But Patch’s new initiative, Count Us In, aspires to bring together all Good Samaritans by highlighting residents who are exemplary at making your community a more positive place.

We want to highlight people like Kristen Shevlin, an upcoming North Reading High School senior, who has been building back yard vegetable gardens for residents as part of her Girl Scout Gold project. Or Laura White, an upcoming senior at Reading Memorial High School, who completed her Girl Scout Gold Project that aims to increase the exposure and appreciation of Shakespeare’s works in the Reading community. Or North Reading resident and Boy Scout Kevin Newhall who worked with Youth Services and Norcam for most of the year on a video that promotes Youth Services and their programs. Or Sandy Carriker, who runs the North Reading Food Panty. 

Partnering with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC), Count Us In aims to illustrate HPHC's values. They believe that “amazing things happen when people work together” and that is why we want to share stories about just that.

If you know someone who exemplifies being a good neighbor, volunteer or teacher—or someone who has simply helped the community in an inspiring way—please tell us about it in the comments section below. Your local editor will keep an eye on the conversation and will be writing articles about all of the amazing people and stories you share.

We welcome all great stories coming from great people in the community.