2016 Gift Of The Heart – West Deptford high School

Woodbury, NJ May 2, 2016
For Immediate Release

The law firm of Hoffman DiMuzio has allocated close to a half a million dollars to its “Gift of the Heart” Community Service Scholarship Foundation. Forty-one graduating seniors from Gloucester & Salem County High Schools have been selected to receive a one thousand dollar scholarship for embodying the service ideals of the program. This week, the 2016 “Gift of the Heart” Hoffman DiMuzio Community Service Foundation recipients are from West Deptford High School: Annalise Kipp and Benjamin Weidner.

Annalise Kipp

For Annalise, children are at the heart of her community service. Each year on Christmas Eve, she spends the day in the city of Camden with her church group handing out gifts and food to needy families. Going door to door, Annalise loves to see the unbridled joyfulness displayed by the children. She understands those children are our future and has this propelled her to seek other ways to make a difference.

Annalise volunteers for the Kids Alley One Accord organization. This group helps children in Camden by providing after school tutoring and Saturday morning programs that brings kids of all ages together. Before Halloween, Annalise helps to give out costumes to children. She has also volunteered at Cathedral Kitchen giving out food to the less fortunate. These activities have made Annalise realize how lucky she is and to always give back. Closer to home, she volunteers at the tennis clinic helping younger children pick up the game of tennis. Great job, Annalise!

Benjamin Weidner

Improving his community has been the focal point of Benjamin Weidner’s service. A Boy Scout since 2010, much of his contributions can be seen throughout the West Deptford area. Benjamin participated in the Redbank Battlefield Garden Project, Rivergate Park Revitalization Project, Holy Nativity Church Revitalization Project, and the Veteran Memorial Revitalization Project among many others. All of these projects helped to cleanup parks, fix playground equipment as well as helping children in need.

Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, Benjamin’s project was the Living Well with Diabetes Conference Program. As a Key Club member, each week he goes out to a retirement home playing games such as bingo with the elderly. Benjamin also assists with the Alzheimer’s patients. Lastly, through his involvement with the National Honor Society, Benjamin participates in Operation Blessing that gives out gifts and food to the needy during the holiday season. Benjamin believes the good will and memories cultivated through these activities has inspired him to become more compassionate to his fellow man. Way to go, Benjamin!  

Congratulations are extended to West Deptford High School students Annalise Kipp and Benjamin Weidner as well as to their proud family and friends! Their community service to others exemplifies the true meaning of a Gift of the Heart!

Next week’s featured recipients will be from Williamstown High School.

Click here to read more about the Hoffman DiMuzio Gift Of The Heart Scholarship Foundation.

If you’d like to see the rest of the 2016 scholarship winners, click here.