The Pennsauken Lions Club is pleased to announce that Deborah Samuels has been selected as its Citizen of the Year.
Deborah has been involved in Pennsauken community service for over 40 years. She began her career before she graduated from high school. In 1976, she joined the Homestead Youth Association, a civic organization which brings activities to residents who live in the niche community of Pennsauken, Merchantville, and Cherry Hill West, formerly known as the Homestead and Delly sections of town. Deborah continues her support of the organization. For more than 15 years, she has served as the chairperson of the HYA board of directors; and this year marks her 40th year of service.
Samuels’ professional growth with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), now Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, has enabled her to expand the programs and services offered through the HYA. She has access to the latest health-related information, resources, and speakers. She began the women’s health luncheon, which addresses topics such as breast cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Deborah considers her role in the “Miracle on Clayton Ave.” as her most notable accomplishment. A partnership between the HYA, the National Basketball Players Association, and Feed the Children made sure that over 400 families throughout Camden County were given the personal care, food, and toys they needed.
Samuels’ dedication extends beyond the HYA. She is chairperson of the education ministry for Asbury United Methodist Church in Woodlynne, NJ. She provides information about scholarships for students, financial aid information for parents, and job opportunities for all. She was instrumental in getting some of the HYA’s more influential women on the windows at the Pennsauken Transit Center on Derousse Ave.
Deborah has been honored with the Camden County Freeholder’s Woman of Distinction Award in 2013; the Camden County East NAACP Visionary Leader Award in 2012; and the Camden County Martin Luther King Freedom Award in 2011.
The Lions Club Citizen of the Year Award dinner will be held on Monday, Sept. 26, 6:00 p.m. at Macaro’s Catering on Westfield Ave. Those who would like to attend the dinner should call (856) 313-7751. The cost for the dinner is $20 per person.
