Did you know that summer is a great time to give back to your community? As people enjoy vacations and camp, many direct service organizations experience a decline in volunteering.
“My family and I have found that volunteering our time helps service organizations make an impact in the lives of others,” said the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Director of Leadership Development and Governance Lori Rubin. “The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is here all year round to serve the community at large and help community members find their own path to get involved, which is crucial during the summer months when organizations experience a lull in volunteer engagement. We hope to see you at a program in your neighborhood.”
Check out the following organizations, supported by the Jewish Federation, that need your help this summer.
Jewish Relief Agency (JRA)
JRA helps nourish over 6,400 diverse low-income individuals across Greater Philadelphia by providing a free monthly box of nutritional food items to food-insecure households. Opportunities for all ages include packing kosher food boxes at JRA’s Food Distribution warehouse and delivering boxes to those in need of assistance. To learn more and volunteer, click here.
KleinLife
KleinLife's Home Delivered Meals program fills an essential need for 700 homebound seniors. Volunteers coordinate a weekly time to deliver pre-cooked meals as well as a friendly visit by dedicated volunteers. In addition to home delivery, KleinLife has volunteer community service opportunities including administrative support, education and facilitation programming, and more. To learn more and volunteer, click here.
Mitzvah Food Program
Mitzvah Food Program serves 6,500 individuals per year, distributing choice-based, nutritious food to all who are in need, regardless of race, income, gender, age or religion. Donate, pack and/or help deliver kosher food packages from one of four pantry sites in Greater Philadelphia. To learn more and volunteer, click here.
Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS)
JFCS enriches the lives of children, families, and individuals throughout the Philadelphia region as they address the challenges that may arise throughout their lives. JFCS offers services that support mental health and wellness, older adults and Holocaust survivors, people living with disabilities, children and families. The services include a commitment to meeting basic needs of community members who experience food, clothing, or financial challenges, creating a safe and welcoming environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and supporting children and families through providing education, support, and coaching. JFCS has volunteer opportunities, including sorting donated clothing, delivering no-contact groceries and reaching out to homebound or isolated individuals for weekly chats to brighten their spirits. To learn more and volunteer, click here.
SPECIAL MENTION
Cemetery Cleanup
Har Jehuda Cemetery: July 16 | 9:00 a.m.
Honor those at rest by cleaning up Har Jehuda, a local historic Jewish cemetery. Volunteer tasks will include raking, picking up trash and clipping overgrown vines. To register, click here.
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Find out more ways to volunteer within Greater Philadelphia by visiting jewishphilly.org/volunteer.