Spring is here and I feel a sense of excitement as the weather gets warmer, the flowers bloom and we can begin to get together with friends and family. For me, I am planning a summer B’not Mitzvah for my two daughters and it is heartwarming that after a year of social isolation we will actual be able to share this event in person with those who we care about and love.
As part of their preparation for their big day, my girls have been studying hard but just as importantly, they needed to plan a Mitzvah project to give back to the community.
This year I am proud to say that they planned and initiated a project for the Federation’s Good Deeds Day. I am always inspired with the outpouring of support from our community members of all ages for this event. This year, after an inconceivably challenging year for so many, it was so fulfilling to see our Jewish community work together to volunteer with 10 different community partners, such as Elizabeth House, Freetown Farm, Kindness Pantry, Columbia Community Care, and CHANA, among others.
Alongside of Good Deeds Day, our volunteer programs are purposefully growing as the Federation continues to make helping those in need our highest priority. In the summer of 2020, we started Mitzvah Meals, a monthly bagged lunch collection, and have donated 200 lunches every month to the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and to Elizabeth House. We have a new initiative called FedTeams run by community members who want to do service projects like those done on Good Deeds Day on a more regular basis with friends and family. The Federation gives these teams the means to connect with community organizations who need our help. I am proud to say we have already completed three monthly projects with community partners that provided thank you letters to veterans, bagged lunches, and Mugs of Love for Meals on Wheels. Our FedConnections program includes 35 trained volunteers who continue to provide comfort, care, and friendship for the many Jews in our community who are homebound, ill, or live in facilities.
For all its challenges, this past year has been highlighted by collective accomplishments, thanks to you, our generous donors. Together we have kept our community cared for through these difficult times. Thank you for being an integral part of these efforts and please help us continue to do good for our community through your time and continued financial support.