Stroum Jewish Community Center launches new community engagement program, Mitzvah Corps, with focus on food insecurity for the Fall of 2020.
MERCER ISLAND, Wash. – The Stroum Jewish Community Center is set to launch Mitzvah Corps, its newest volunteer and community engagement program. Mitzvah Corps is designed to address the needs of our local community through volunteer opportunities and outreach programs where neighbors can help neighbors.
“The term ‘mitzvah’ is often translated to ‘good deed,’ and is directly translated to ‘commandment,’ reminding us to work to better the world each and every day,” said Amy Lavin, SJCC CEO. “This is the foundation of the Mitzvah Corps, to bring this to our community.” Learn more + Join the Mitzvah Corp >>
The Mitzvah Corps will focus on larger seasonal initiatives as well as offer various volunteer opportunities. For fall 2020, the Mitzvah Corps’ focus will be on food insecurity. The program will source food and then distribute it to those in need.
“The number of people in Washington who are food insecure has almost doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lavin. “The SJCC aims to spread light in this darkness by distributing food to those in need during this challenging time.”
Those wishing to be a part of the Mitzvah Corps can join this initiative by donating non-perishable food/items, make monetary donations, help in the J’s Kesher Community Garden and/or share food from your own garden. Sign-up here >>
“There are many ways to be a part of this program, and it is a great way for us to connect our community when and where it is needed most,” said Lavin. “While we are starting with food insecurity, we will continue to evaluate the greatest community needs and adjust as they change.”
To join Mitzvah Corps and get plugged into helping with our food insecurity initiative, get more information at SJCC.org/Mitzvah-Corps.
The Mitzvah Corps will also be part of volunteer efforts throughout the calendar year. Coming up, the Mitzvah Corps will volunteer with the EastWest Food Rescue as part of SJCC Volunteer Day (TBA), host a Blood Drive at Herzl-Ner Tamid (Sept. 14, 16, 17) and mobilize a Habitat for Humanity Build (Sept. 9).
In addition, Mitzvah Corps will allow volunteers to get plugged into ongoing opportunities at the J, including SixThirTeens, the Kesher Community Garden and other event programs.
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