Polisena's gift card program a success

Janet Whiteley, the administrative assistant to Johnston Mayor Joseph M. Polisena, and Lois Marandola, the town’s part-time Human Services Director, sat smiling inside the Johnston Senior Center’s game room for three hours last Thursday morning. Their mission, per Polisena, was, wishing people a Happy Thanksgiving. Whiteley and Marandola were armed with letters direct from the Executive Chamber, as well as a gift card from Price-Rite, that Polisena issues every Thanksgiving as part of his “Helping our Neighbors” program.

“On behalf of the citizens of the town of Johnston, I have enclosed a Price-Rite gift card for you and your family to use for your Thanksgiving shopping,” Polisena’s statement in the letter, began. “During these difficult times, it is comforting to see our community join together in an effort to share our resources. Pleas accept this Price-Rite gift card in lieu of a traditional Thanksgiving Day basket. Best wishes for a healthy and happy Thanksgiving, Warmest personal regards, Mayor Joseph M. Polisena.” Whiteley and Stott, meanwhile, added a personal touch as they handed each envelope to qualifying residents saying, “Have a Happy Thanksgiving from Mayor Polisena.”