Ask Port Washington Patch readers who made a difference in 2011, and inevitably one name surfaces: Jackie Klein.

Klein, 23, is a New York State EMT Basic at the Port Washington Fire Medic Co. #1. She’s been a volunteer with the PWFD since 2005.

Volunteering plays a big part in Klein’s life. She is active at the Parent Resource Center and the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind, where she helps to train residents. What’s more, Klein said she volunteers with the American Red Cross, donating her time to assist with the organization's walks at Eisenhower Park. Ultimately Klein aims to work as a medical interpreter. To that end, she is a deaf studies major at LaGuardia Community College

In addition, Klein works part time at a local health club and also babysits.

What drives Klein to give so much to her community?

“I want to be a help and make a difference,” she said.

Klein follows a mantra, the sentiment of which she says is on a poster at home. It goes something like this: "Be passionate with what you do. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone is coping with their own issues.”

And while helping others comes seemingly naturally to Klein, she said, “If it weren’t for family and friends, I wouldn’t have that much support.” That support can be critical when responding to emergency calls where people are under duress, sometimes in life-threatening situations.

Much of that encouragement is found at home. Klein said her parents adopted her and and her twin brother at birth, and raised them in Port Washington.

Klein discovered her love of volunteering while attending a community service fair at Schreiber High School. She went on to donate time at the Port Washington Public Library, and join the juniors program at the fire department and at the Nassau County Police Department. While in high school, Klein said she also attended the Gerald R. Claps Career & Technical Center, taking its police science and emergency medical technician program, "which helped change my life. The teachers were amazing."  

Klein also enjoys her downtime, especially singing and dancing. Asked how she she does it all, Klein said simply, “I make it work.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Ellen Fox: For her work at the Port Washington Education Foundation, and making sure third-graders get needed educational support.

Friends of the Port Washington Public Library: For supporting so much enrichment to residents.

Julie Meer-Harnick: For her tireless role as executive director of the Community Chest of Port Washington, which helps provide funding to many organizations in town.

Sharon Maier-Kennelly: For keeping music and the arts alive at Landmark on Main Street.

League of Women Voters Port Washington Manhasset: For assisting us in participating in democracy.

Megaera Regan: For inspiring children and grownups alike to embrace fitness and health.

Michelle Schimel and Jack Martins: For promoting bipartisanship, in their roles as assemblywoman and state senator for the district.

Port Washington Clergy: For boosting harmony in our community.

Port Washington Fire Department: For protecting our community.

Port Washington Police District: For responding so quickly when called.

Port Washington Teachers: For embracing diversity in our schools.

Edna Turner: For her role at the Twin Pines Food Co-op, helping to ward off hunger in Port Washington.

Patti Vunke: For bringing independent book store magic to the Dolphin Bookshop.