NJ.com: 2016 Woodstown graduate honored for community service

Salem County Bridge recognized Natalie Williams, a 2016 graduate of Woodstown High School, for outstanding community service with a $1,000 award.

Natalie is a 13-year member of the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey. In 2012, she and two fellow Scouts earned a Silver Award by devoting 50 hours of leadership and service to renovating the Russell G. Garrison Memorial Park in Woodstown, honoring local Vietnam War soldiers who gave their lives for our country.

Natalie is now working on her Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, requiring 80 hours of leadership and service. She is creating a children’s library and craft center in the new Family Promise Day Center in Pennsville. The project includes running a book and craft drive, refinishing furniture and assembling several “book boxes” to promote reading comprehension.

Since 2009, Natalie has volunteered for Family Promise of Salem County, a nonprofit interfaith ministry committed to providing shelter, meals and assistance to homeless families, while being aided in seeking permanent employment and affordable housing. Her responsibilities include setting up the sleeping areas and cooking dinner.

At the First Baptist Church of Woodstown, she volunteered for several years at Vacation Bible School and taught Sunday school. Through the church, she has also helped raise funds for Gospel for Asia, which provides items such as livestock and rickshaws to those living in poverty-stricken countries to help make a living.

She also participated in the Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build Event in 2013.

Natalie will attend Wesley College in Dover, Del., where she will major in nursing. Her goal is to work with children in a healthcare setting.

The community service awards are sponsored by the Salem County Bridge community service committee, chaired by Matthew McFarland. Formerly known as Salem County 2000, Salem County Bridge is an all-volunteer organization promoting lifelong learning. For more information, call 856-351-2601.

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