Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center helps needy families, homeless
By Special Correspondent
December 21, 2017
The Jewish Volunteer Center of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County had more than 350 volunteers celebrate Hanukkah with two events that took place in Boynton Beach and Wellington.
Volunteers packed 40,000 meals for families in need at the Mandel Jewish Community Center in Boynton Beach.
The event took place with JVC and Mandel JCC in partnership with the not for profit organizations Feeding The Children Everywhere and TD Charitable Foundation,
The second event had volunteers assemble hundreds of care packages and toiletry supplies for homeless individuals and families at Temple Beth Torah in Wellington.
The event took place with JVC in partnership with St. Ann Place (a church doing outreach to the homeless) and Temple Beth Torah.
Both events showcased the JVC campaign, titled “Eight Days of Giving Back” to celebrate Hanukkah by volunteers being immersed in social action projects.
Volunteers at Temple Beth Torah in Wellington assemble care packages and toiletry supplies for homeless individuals and families.
(LEE HERSHFIELD/CORRESPONDENT)
“We all have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Stacey Ellison, chair of the Jewish Volunteer Center.
“I’m thankful that Federation has developed such dynamic and engaging ways for our community to meet the needs of others.”
“Both events brought so many families together, as well as both Jews and non-Jews working together for the benefit of the community,” said Juliana Gendelman, incoming chair of JVC to succeed Ellison.
“It is outstanding how so much can be accomplished at our events. We were able to work efficiently and with so much enthusiasm to meet our goal of packing 40,000 meals at the Dec. 17 event,” said Gendelman.
Other “Eight Days of Giving Back” projects over Hanukkah included various supply drives to benefit local not for profit organizations, including the Ferd and Gladys Alpert Jewish Family And Children’s Services in West Palm Beach, Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee and Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County in West Palm Beach.
The Jewish Volunteers Center was launched last November by The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County as a “one stop shop” to match individuals and community organizations with service opportunities throughout Palm Beach County, according to Ellison.
“From delivering meals to seniors, supporting literacy, combating hunger, and celebrating diversity throughout the community, Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center provides a way for the community to get connected, serve others and make a difference,” said Ellison.
To learn more about the Jewish Volunteer Center of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, 1 Harvard Circle in West Palm Beach, contact Rabbi Erica Rosenkranz at 561-242-6653 or go to jewishvolunteer.org.
