Gov. Phil Murphy commended 12-year-old Dominic Mercado during Saturday's press conference. VINELAND, N.J. - Dominic Mercado, 12, is celebrating his birthday in a unique way amid the current global health pandemic.
Gov. Phil Murphy called attention to Dominic's incredible efforts during a press conference Saturday. The governor also recognized Dominic in a Facebook post.
Instead of asking for gifts, Dominic instead asked for pasta and other non-perishable foods that he plans to donate to those in need due to food insecurity.
As a result, on his first day of seeking donations nearly 100 families brought him food items for his mission. "Dominic, we wish you the very happiest of birthdays and we thank you," Gov.