Rutgers student among honorees for volunteering

CAMDEN A Rutgers University junior will be recognized for his year of volunteering with the Neighborhood Center in Camden.

Marcus Biddle of Pennsauken will be one of six people honored at the Neighborhood Center's 101st annual meeting and luncheon, to be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church in Cherry Hill.

Biddle, who is majoring in urban studies and minoring in journalism, has been a regular contributor to the center's community kitchen, community garden, and special events, including cleanup days, tree plantings, Thanksgiving food drives, and Christmas toy drives. He has assisted in coordinating volunteers.

"Marcus has a 'can do' attitude that resonates with his spirit and drive. I have never seen him without a smile on his face," said Sarina DiBianca, director of operations and finance for the Neighborhood Center.

Begun in 1913, The Neighborhood Center is an urban outreach mission of the United Methodist Women's Division and part of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.

Biddle, who aspires to go into journalism, found the opportunity to interact with people from the community, a particularly rewarding part of the job.

"Every person who walks in the center has something very uplifting to share," Biddle said. "It is rewarding to see how they are getting back on their feet. It makes me realize that Camden is a very resilient city. People aren't walking around feeling sorry for themselves. They won't stop before they accomplish their goals."

- Julia Terruso