12/06/2022
Volunteer With Us: Chanukah Mini Mitzvah Challenges
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Thank you for volunteering with the Jewish Volunteer Network (JVN) by sharing the Chanukah light as we spread joy and hope to populations at risk throughout the Jewish and general Cleveland communities during the holiday season.
Please share your mitzvot on social media! Tag @jewishcleveland and use the hashtags #HereForGood and #JVN.
Chanukah Mini Mitzvah Challenges
1. MAKE FLEECE BLANKETS
Make a cozy “no sew” blanket to help bring some warmth this winter to Jewish women and children faced with emergency and temporary housing at the Hebrew Shelter Home to escape domestic violence or imminent homelessness. Search “fleece tie blanket” on YouTube for ideas and instructions.
Deadline: Blankets may be dropped off at the Jewish Federation on Thursday, December 29 and Friday, December 30.
2. DECORATE GREETING CARDS FOR SENIOR ADULTS
Spread some holiday cheer and good wishes by making handmade greeting cards for residents on the Menorah Park campus. Or, participate in the Love for our Elders initiative, founded by Jewish Clevelander Jacob Cramer, and write a letter to a senior adult who would like mail. It’s easy – tell them about yourself, share a joke or riddle, and let them know that they are loved!
Deadline: Cards may be dropped off at the Jewish Federation on Thursday, December 29 and Friday, December 30.
3. PREPARE BLESSING BAGS FOR THOSE HOMELESS, HUNGRY, OR IN NEED OF BASIC NECESSITIES
Fill gallon-sized zip-top bags with helpful items. Ideas include socks, toothbrush + toothpaste, granola bars, mints, lip balm, pads + tampons, face/body wipes, hand sanitizer, dental floss, travel-size shampoo and soap, deodorant, and gloves. Bags will be donated to homeless women and their children living at The Haven Home, a family overflow shelter to provide temporary emergency shelter until a bed becomes available at a family shelter.
Deadline: Blessing bags may be dropped off at the Jewish Federation on Thursday, December 29 and Friday, December 30.
4. PARTICIPATE IN BELLEFAIRE JCB’S HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE
Bring joy to a child in need this holiday season! Shop and purchase items from Bellefaire JCB’s client’s wish lists to help ensure every child receives a gift this holiday season. Social workers talk with each client to get some of their wishes. Click “Holiday Wish Lists” on bellefairejcb.org and sign up to fulfill a child’s wish!
Deadline: Gifts or gift cards may be purchased for $25 - $50 and must be dropped off at Bellefaire JCB by December 13.
5. DONATE CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Reading fuels imaginations, teaches empathy, supports academic achievement, and helps parents build bonds with their kids. Give your gently used children’s books a second life and help foster literacy and a love of reading by donating books to the Kids’ Book Bank. Help ensure all kids in Greater Cleveland have books to build their own home libraries.
Deadline: Books can be dropped off Tuesday–Friday between 9am-3pm, at 3635 Perkins Ave. in MidTownCleveland. Please call 216-417-1803 upon arrival.
6. ORGANIZE AND CLEAN WITH A PURPOSE
Open up your pantry, closets, and drawers – and donate! From canned food to seldom-used clothing and household goods, it’s easy to turn an annual-cleaning ritual into a donating tradition. No matter how many items you find on your shelves or on hangers, chances are they can be put to good use for others in need.
Deadline: Donations can be made to the Cleveland Chesed Center Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
7. MAKE DOG BISCUITS AND DONATE TOYS FOR PUPS
Perfect for animal lovers! Help support canines currently living at Rescue Village until they are adopted and placed in a permanent home. Make homemade dog treats (search “homemade dog treats” online for recipes), and donate gently used or new dog toys.
No deadline
8. BAKE FOR YOUR LOCAL FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Every day, our local fire and police departments put their lives on the line to protect our safety. Baking and delivering cookies, brownies, or cupcakes is an incredibly fun and rewarding way to say THANK YOU!
No deadline
At the end of Chanukah, and while reflecting on ways to make 2023 a “Do Good” year, write an individual or family Tzedakah Contract. What will you/your family commit into action in the coming year?
Join JVN’s Facebook Group Jewish Cleveland Volunteers. New opportunities in Cleveland are posted regularly!
For more information on any of these events or how you can volunteer, please contact Lisa Hacker, Senior Director of JVN at (216) 593-2792 or lhacker@jewishcleveland.org.
