Gov. Chris Christie said Friday that state and federal government alone can't drive the state's recovery _ New Jersey must continue to foster a spirit of volunteerism and community involvement.
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Christie said that even a year after Superstorm Sandy the devastation is broad and continues to present problems for New Jersey. But he said the state's recovery continues because of the efforts of volunteers.
"If you think just government can fix that _ whether it's federal or state government _ you're wrong,'' he said.
Christie spoke Friday at the annual Points of Light Tribute Awards in Washington. Points of Light, which is strongly supported by former President George H.W. Bush, focuses on encouraging people to solve problems through volunteerism. The group honored Christie for his leadership after Sandy.
Christie said he accepted the award on behalf of the many volunteers who came to New Jersey in droves after the storm. He said people came from all over the country and provided ``comfort and relief to those who lost everything.''
He recalled meeting a group that traveled to New Jersey from the South. They "just started cooking meals for folks. And they were there for weeks and weeks,'' he said.
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Christie said that spirit has helped propel New Jersey and will continue to benefit the state.
"If you ever wonder for a minute if what you're doing is making a difference, come to the Jersey Shore,'' he said.
