The Top Feel-Good Stories of the Year on Newark Patch

Too often it's the bas news that gets everyone's attention. So in keeping with the spirit of the season, we here at Patch wanted to revisit some of the stories that brought smiles to our faces in 2013: 

In a city hall ceremony, the dog tag belonging to a Newark World War II veteran was returned -- nearly 70 years after he lost the military ID in southern France.  

Newark native and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal announced the launch of the “Brick City” athletic shoe, named in honor of his hometown.

Flight attendants at Newark Liberty International Airport banded together to provide formula for orphaned infants living in developing countries.

Newark native Gloria Gaynor released a book containing testimonials from fans around the world who were inspired by her ‘70s disco classic “I Will Survive.”

Habitat for Humanity, the National Football League and others helped a woman raising her two special-needs grandchildren obtain and furnish a home in the Ironbound.