'An Inspiration To All': Salem Local Hero

SALEM, MA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. But rarely do they get the spotlight they deserve. We all know someone who's making a difference right now aswe live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've begun an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we're working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

Paul Palermo nominated Nicole Barsky, of Salem, who works two jobs in health care where she donates money, food and personal protection equipment that she has purchased herself to those in need.

"She's an inspiration to all," Palermo said. "Nicole is the most selfless person around. ... One of the residential homes she was working in, unfortunately all the clients had COVID-19. She went into that situation saying: 'Somebody has to take care of them and that is going to be me.'"

Thank you for all you do, Nicole!

Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.