Mitzvah Day 2022

Mitzvah Day 2023

Mitzvah Day is Sunday, April 30th. Please join in meaningful volunteerism as TCS “helps repair the world” or Tikkun Olam. Our main theme is addressing Food Insecurity, but we also have several other off-site volunteer activities available.

Please sign up HERE for one or more Mitzvah Day activities!

NOTE: Mitzvah Day is instead of Kehillah on April 30^th .

Parent involvement needed for most volunteer projects.

Please email Jodi Ross or Rachel Meisel if you are able to be leading a volunteer for any of these events!

Ways to GIVE!

Food!

We need hundreds of pounds of Kosher food to stock the JFS Mobile Food Pantry

Drop Ship it (easiest option) Click HERE
Going to Costco? Buying in bulk can really make a big impact. Can you grab some items for the food truck? HERE is a list of items we need
Buy and drop off groceries at TCS. HERE is a list of items we need

Give others the gift of Flavor

Spice Program Supplies

Click HERE to give Spice Program Supplies

50 Gallon Challenge

Stock the JFS Mobile Food pantry

The JFS Mobile Food Pantry can hold over 50 gallons of fresh milk. We challenge our congregation to show up with 50 gallons of fresh milk on April 30^th!

Deliver Shabbat Dinners to those in need in Fairfield County

Description: Deliver Shabbat Dinner to those in need in Fairfield County. Volunteer to pick up from TCS and delivery on Friday, April 28 (Dinners courtesy of JFS of Stamford)

5-6 volunteer drivers needed
Date: Friday, April 28
Time: Pick up meals at 10:15AM at TCS and deliver by noon
Constituency: ALL – this is a nice activity for children to join in on too
Lead Volunteer: Rachel Meisel
Sign Up HERE

Food Rescue (Mitzvah Day thru May 5)

Description: Pick up excess food at local grocery stores/bakeries/restaurants and deliver to organizations who distribute to those experiencing food insecurity

16 volunteers needed
Date: 4/30 – 5/5, specific to route
Location: varies by route / local
Time: specific to route
Constituency: Adults or teens with drivers licenses. This is a nice activity to bring kids along with.
Lead Volunteer: Julie Podziba
Sign Up HERE

JFS Family Learning Program about Food Insecurity and Mobile Food Pantry Food Drive

Description: Are you up for the SNAP Grocery Store Challenge? Learn how to budget, make a meal plan, and purchase groceries all within the confines of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which is the reality for many of the clients that visit the Schoke JFS Mobile Food Pantry. After participating in the Grocery Store Challenge, you will tour the mobile food pantry while our Kehillah 5^th Graders stock items to be distributed to those in need. This is a great opportunity for pairs of teens, families with school-age children or adults wanting to experience a bit of empathy and understanding for those who are living with food insecurities in our communities. Bonus: you get to exercise your math and budgeting skills – or teach them to young ones!

Date: Sunday, April 30^th
Location: TCS Sanctuary / Mobile Food Pantry in parking lot
Time: 9-11 AM
Note: Each group should bring $25 cash for the SNAP Grocery Store Challenge! Why? SNAP = $170/wk for a family of 4 or ~$25/day day to eat 3 meals.
Constituency: ALL Parent/Adult supervision required.
Lead Volunteers: Leah Schechter / Rachel Meisel
Sign Up HERE

JFS Spice Program for the JFS Mobile Food Pantry

Description: Give the gift of flavor. Mix and fill spice bottles to be stocked on the JFS Mobile Food Pantry

Can accommodate 25 Children + their accompanying adult
Date: Sunday, April 30^th
Location: TCS – Preschool Classroom(s) TBD
Time: 10-11AM – One-on-one Adult supervision required
Constituency: Ages 3-5 years old
Lead Volunteer: Leah Schechter
Sign Up HERE

Fourth Grade – Gillespie Meal Preparation

Description: Our Kehillah 4^th Graders will be cooking and preparing a meal for the homeless clientele at the Gillespie Center

NEEDED: Food items needed HERE
Date: Sunday, April 30^th
Location: TCS Kitchen
Time: 9-11 AM
Constituency: Kehillah 4^th Graders only
Lead Volunteer: Melissa Dombrow

Dignity Grows

Description: Supplying dignity to women in need. Volunteers will be making packages of feminine products

There are three 40-minute shifts that can accommodate 20 volunteers at a time
Date: Sunday, April 30^th
Location: TCS – Social Hall Lounge Area
Time: 9-11 AM
Constituency: Ages 10+
Lead Volunteer: Galina Blishteyn
Sign Up HERE

Welcome Posters/Get Well Cards/ Thank You cards for IDF Soldiers

Description: Create a Welcome Poster for a new Refugee family, make a bookmark or get well card for sick congregants or make a Thank You card for an IDF Soldier ahead of Israel Independence Day,

Date: Sunday, April 30^th
Location: TCS Social Hall
Time: 9-11 AM
Constituency: ALL. Parent/Adult supervision required.
Lead Volunteer: USY teens

CT Quest for Peace

Description: Sort and assemble packages for Nicaraguan families

Up to 40 volunteers needed
Date: Sunday, April 30th
Location: 394 Main Street, Bridgeport
Time: 9-11 AM
Constituency: 6^th Grade and up. Parent/Adult supervision required.
Lead Volunteer: Jodi Ross
Sign Up HERE

Wakeman Town Farm – Spring Cleaning

Description: Volunteer to help WTF with spring cleaning, gardening and more!

Up to 40 volunteers needed
Date: Sunday, April 30^th
Location: Meet at Wakeman Town Farms at 134 Cross Highway, Westport
Time: 9-11 AM
Constituency: ALL – this is a nice activity for families. Parent/Adult supervision required.
Lead Volunteer: Julie Podziba
Sign Up HERE