Trio's Charity Feeding Essential Workers: Toms River Heroes

DATELINE — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Ann Gauthier or Toms River, who nominated Thomas Nuara, Josh Avilleira and Justin Greco of Juicy Fruit Party Dragon, a local nonprofit that formed in 2018 and helps those in need.

Where the nominee lives:
Toms River

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Toms River

Name of the nominee:
Thomas Nuara, Josh Avilleira and Justin Greco

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Ann Gauthier

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
No

What does the nominee do for work?:
Run an award-winning charity.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
These three gentleman (Tom, Josh, and Justin) go above and beyond to help our community all year long. With the pandemic now they have gathered up donations to donate over $600 in food to essential workers every week since this has started. They donate to the hospital, sheriffs, local police, EMS, pharmacies, veterinarians, and food stores to name a few.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Enough is never enough. They, as a group, care more about others than themselves.

Do YOU have a 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.