Animals
Bucks County SPCA Contact: Diane Herstine, Volunteer Coordinator, Nikki Thompson, Director of Education and Outreach, 215 794-7475 A Non-Profit organization which enforces anti-cruelty laws of the state, alleviate the suffering of animals, and is dedicated to the welfare of animals. No animal care opportunities are available at this time. There are many other ways you can help: Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind Contact: Michael Leventhal, Executive Director 267 927-0205 mike@israelguidedog.org Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind provides guide dogs to visually impaired Israelis. They breed, raise and train the dogs in Israel so that they are familiar with the environment and so they respond to Hebrew commands. The dogs enable the blind and visually impaired Israeli's to achieve independence, mobility, and self esteem. Sponsor a puppy and learn about the vital relationship between a guide dog and a blind Israeli. Mitzvah project ideas include raising funds for dog sponsorships by dog walking/pet sitting, pet washing, make and sell dog treats, and much more. Volunteers can make presentations to classes to help raise awareness of the needs of the blind in Israel. Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center Contact: Megan Strychowski - Program Manager 215 822 2515 mstrychowski@ivyhillequestrian.org
Ivy Hill delivers professional programs designed to enhance the lives of those individuals with physical, social, educational or psychological challenges. They provide the highest quality services to the individuals who benefit from the programs they offer. The staff have degrees in areas of Special Education, Physical Therapy, and Psychology with additional specialized training and certification in Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy. They have individuals of all ages that have "special challenges" ranging from those with physical, intellectual, emotional, and social needs, along with those who have suffered from a trauma or are recovering from injury. Volunteers need to be: reliable, patient, comfortable around horses, able to establish a rapport and gain confidence of the rider, able to talk and follow directions Volunteers responsibility: assure the comfort and safety of the rider, walk beside the rider providing physical support as needed, reinforce instructor's directions, be constantly alert to the possible need for instantaneous help. Pals For Life Contact: Kristen Abbott, Program Manager 610 687-1101, Kristen@palsforlife.org Pals for Life brings the companionship of animals to those who need it. Pet visitation programs are provided at nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and mental health facilities. Literacy programs involve bringing pets to schools and libraries for reluctant readers to read to them and improve their skills and self-esteem. Stress reduction programs involve bringing pets to colleges during final exams to help the students. There are many ways to volunteer: Pegasus Riding Academy Contact: Barbara Wertheimer, Executive Director, 215 742-1500, pegasus5@comcast.net The Pegasus program utilizes the horse and its movement to enhance the quality of life for our clients. Our mission is to provide therapeutic exercise in various forms while concentrating on ability rather than disability. Pegasus has worked with many Bar/Bat Mitzvah students and hand crafts their projects depending on their abilities and desires. Although the volunteers working with our lessons are required to be 14, Bar/Bat Mitzvah students who are accompanied by a parent have been able to participate in horse care. Some past projects have included the creation of wonderful hanging mobiles for our indoor riding arena, alphabet letters for our arena walls, and various fundraising projects and drives. The possibilities are endless. Main Line Animal Rescue Contact: Stevie Boulden, Director of Humane Education; Ilene Wellner, Volunteer 610-933-0606 volunteer@mlar.org Main Line Animal Rescue specializes in the rescue and placement of abused, unwanted and abandoned companion animals. There is no discrimination based on health, age or breed. By involving and educating the community, Main Line Animal Rescue works to raise the public's awareness of the plight of homeless animals as well as realizing the benefits of adopting an animal in need. Our animals are examined, vaccinated, spayed or neutered and receive any and all medical treatment before they are placed in carefully screened homes. Volunteer opportunities: Special Equestrians Contact: Anne Reynolds, Program Director 215 918-1001 ext. 103 Special Equestrians provides equine-assisted activities for people with various mental, physical, emotional, socio-economic challenges. We use our kind, patient, highly-trained therapy horses to provide dynamic exercise, deep vestibular input, fine- and gross-motor skill development, social communication and meaningful working relationships for our clients both in and out of the saddle. Our staff is dedicated to making the horse-loving experience accessible to all people, and uses their various professional qualifications in Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy, Special Education, Equestrian Science and Occupational Therapy to provide top-quality services. While all program volunteers must be at least 14 years old, we encourage younger men and women to learn more about our industry and support our cause through personal fundraising, supply-gathering or outreach projects.
P.O. Box 277, 1665 Street Rd., Lahaska, PA 18931
732 Settlers Circle, Warrington, PA 18976
1 Highpoint Rd. Perkasie, PA 18944
939 Radnor Road, Wayne, PA 19087
8297 Bustleton Ave, Phila., PA 19152
PO Box 89 Chester Springs, PA 19425
2800 Street Rd., Warrington, PA 18976
Arts
Knitting Circle at Congregation Beth Or The hats and blankets that are knitted are delivered to local hospitals. Yarn and knitting needles are provided. Project Linus Contact: Terri Chango 215-572-0718 terrichango@verizon.net Project Linus provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers". Volunteer Opportunity: We accept new, handmade blankets , which can be knitted, crocheted, made of fleece or quilted. They must be machine washable and dryable and made of non-allergic materials. They should also be age appropriage, as we serve children from premies to 18 year olds The Colored Pencil Project Contact: Beth Rice, Founder bethr@thecoloredpencilproject.org 978-995-8099 The Colored Pencil Project was created to increase the access of art supplies to children in developing countries by distribuiting art supplies, specifically colored pencils and paper, and providing art currriculum to children in various orphanages, schools and rural villages. Art is extremely important developmentally for children. The Colored Pencil Project believes that art is the perfect way for chlldren to communicate their experiences, fears, and most importantly, their dreams. By bringing the dreams belonging to these children back to the United States, in the form of pictures, The Colored Pencil Project hopes to foster global understanding and goodwill. Volunteer opportunity: Get your friends and family involved in The Colored Pencil Project's global endeavor by hosting an art supply drive at your school or in your neighborhood, collecting 12-packs of colored pencils. Kits on how to get started are available. Email Hannah Richards for details.
Contact: Flora Krimker, 215 758-2986, florajkrimker@yahoo.com
1862 Old Orchard Rd., Abington, PA 19001
Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities for the benefit of children.
P.O. Box 171269 Boston, MA 02117
Children
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer
29 E. Wynnewood Ave., Wynnewood, PA 19096
Contact: Tracy Weniger, School Programs Manager t.weniger@alexslemonade.org (866)333-1213
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer was started by 4 year old cancer patient, Alex Scott. Alex wanted to raise money for her hospital by hosting a lemonade stand, and by doing so she raised a million dollars for cancer research by the age of 8. Since Alex passed away, the foundation has raised over 45 million dollars, funding over 200 research projects across the United States.
Volunteer Opportunity: Students can host an Alex's Lemonade Stand at their school by obtaining permission from administration and registering at www.AlexsLemonade.org. There are also a number of other opportunities available, including our new school program, Change Childhood Cancer, where change is collected by students to help raise money for childhood cancer. For more information, visit www.AlexsLemonade.org.
Boys & Girls Club of Trenton/Mercer County Contact: Debra Wachspress, Director of Community Engagement 609-392-3191 dwachspress@bgctrenton.org The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Volunteer opportunities: Youth are needed to assist with homework help, sports, art and other activities in our after school programs. We also encourage collection drives of books or gifts during the holiday season. CONCERN Contact: Diane Devlin 215-654-1963 CONCERN provides services including foster care to abused and neglected children through placement in loving and caring homes. Our mission is to help them grow into healthy and productive members of society. Collect gently used books, backpacks for school supplies, toys for the holiday season and duffle bags for CONCERN. When foster children are moved or visiting they need duffle bags instead of using a trash bag to collect their belongings. Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia Sarah Busbey, Distribution Coordinator 215 836-0958 x204 sarahb@cradlestocrayons.org
Our missions is to provide children, ages 0 to 12, some of the most important basics of life, free of charge. At the Giving Factory, your volunteer work will be to sort and process donated children's items for kids in need. This may include cleaning and testing toys, inspecting clothing for rips and stains, sorting books by age categories, or matching up outfits for clothing packs. Its all fun, hands-on work that directly benefits homeless and low-income children in need in the greater Philadelphia region. Host a Winter Product Collection Drive - In 2009, Cradles to Crayons received 3,800 orders for winter coats and clothing. This year, we expect to hear from many more families having difficulty paying their heating bills and bundling their children against the cold. Cradles to Crayons is making an extra effort to collect as many warm coats, clothes, boots, hats, mittens, sweaters, etc. as we can find. This year you can get involved with us and help thousands of kids feel safe, warm and valued this winter. Hosting a drive is easy and fun! And you will know that your work directly benefits homeless and low-income children in need in the greater Philadelphia region. Please contact Kloe Unruh at kloe@cradlestocrayons.org for more information. Golden Slipper Camp Contact: Nanci Gilberg ngilberg@goldenslipper.org 610-660-0520 x101 Since 1948 Golden Slipper Camp has brought summers to life for thousands of underprivileged children ages 7-15. Volunteers can collect items to donate to the camp such as: guitars, musical keyboards, drum sticks, basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, tennis equipment, hockey sticks and balls to name a few. Also, volunteers can creatively come up with a way to help raise money to send children to camp (see the Mitzvah Bowl website's "more ideas page"). JAFCO-Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options Contact: Rana Bell, Director of Northeast Development, 610-397-8688 rana@jafco.org JAFCO finds homes for abused and neglected Jewish children. Over 350 Jewish and non-Jewish children are currently being served by JAFCO. 50 of those children live in our Children's Village, which includes our Emergency Children's Shelter and six group homes. The JAFCO Children's Village in Sunrise, FL remains the only one of its kind in the Jewish community nationwide. Although the children physically reside in Florida, it is not uncommon that the family originates from Philadelphia, New York, or New Jersey. At JAFCO we care first about saving the life of a child, it is less important to us where they are from. B'nai mitzvah students can choose from one or many of the following projects: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia and Susquehanna Valley Contact: Gretchen Smith Development Associate 215-654-9355 gsmith@philadelphia.wish.org The Make a Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Kids For Wish Kids® gives kids an opportunity to plan a fundraiser that will help sponsor the wish of a local child with a life-threatening medical condition. Since the program started, ambitious kids have used creative means to give something back to one of their own--the priceless gift of a wish-come-true. Just a few examples include letter campaign, Dance Marathons with friends, Art Shows, Bake Sales, Hat Days and Student/Teacher Basketball games. Whether it is $200 or $2,000, the kids involved in this program will walk away from the experience feeling empowered that they helped to make a difference. If they like, the kids can learn about the boy or girl whose wish was granted as a result of their efforts. Pajama Program Contact: Kathleen Stuart, National Pajama & Book Distributor kathleen@pajamaprogram.org Pajama Program provides new pajamas and new books to children in need, many who are waiting and hoping to be adopted. Thousands of the children live in group homes and shelters and are shuffled often between temporary living facilities. Many of them have been abused or abandoned, and have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a mother or father tuck them in at bedtime and read to them. Pajama Program needs volunteers to help collect new pajamas and new books. Visit: http://www.pajamaprogram.org/pjdrive.html in Eastern Pennsylvania, contact: jill@pajamaprogram.org and christinak@pajamaprogram.org. They will let you know where your gifts are needed most. Quilts for Kids Contact: Nancy Lacey, Operations Manager 215 295-5484
Quilts for Kids is a group of volunteer quilters who save unwanted fabrics from landfills and transform them into patchwork quilts that comfort children in need. Collections of must needed supplies are necessary to make quilts for sick children: fabrics which are brightly colored, kid-oriented 100% cotton, gallon zip lock bags, packing tape, computer paper, Tide, and more. (Please call to see what is needed.) Ask us about our Quarters for Quilts fundraiser.
Volunteer opportunity: Create your own fundraiser and donate the proceeds so that we may purchase fabric for the quilts or inquire about collection. Contact Sally at sally.weber@quiltsforkids.org for some other great ideas. Second Chance Toys The goal for Second Chance Toys is to create a groundswell of interest around the mission (to rescue and recycle plastic toys for needy children) throughout communities in the United States. By providing the necessary tools, step-by-step instructions and facilitating essential connections with local organizations, sources of funding and media exposure, Second Chance Toys hopes to empower others to create their own local programs, the first of which, Second Chance Toys of PA and Second Chance Toys of NYC are already underway as well as many other school and community-based programs. In doing so, the Second Chance Toys mission will be able to reach out to many needy children all over the United States and help our environment that much more. We are looking for students, schools, clubs, libraries and organizations of any kind to collect gently used plastic toys from families in your community and prepare them for donation to local organizations that serve needy children. This mitzvah project accomplishes two goals: doing something good and green. We offer support, tools and resources to help make your program a success. Tabor Children's Services Contact: Ariana Burrows, Chief Development Officer 215 348-4071 ext. 219, Ariana.Burrows@tabor.org Tabor Children's Services mission is to keep children safe, strengthen families and promote independence via in-home and mental health services, adoption and foster care services and prevention and supervised independent living support. Mitzvah projects include collecting much needed items: disposable diapers/wipes, book bags, school supplies, binders, non-perishable food. You may also help with clerical work with the mission of keeping children safe during our business hours. The Greater Philadelphia Diaper Bank Contact: Pat Kennedy President/Founder 215-919-8500, pat@philadelphiadiaperbank.org There is a "hole" in the safety net. Food assistance programs such as food stamps and WIC don't cover diapers. In addition, Medicare covers incontinence supplies for those in hospice only. The diaper bank believes all of us: babies, children and adults deserve to be clean and dry. Through community diaper drives, we collect diapers and distribute them to homeless shelters, food pantries, family service agencies and faith based organizations Hold a diaper drive! Your drive can be one event or over a designated period of time. Contact us for more information and ideas.
212 Centre Street Trenton, NJ 08611
Monday - Friday, after school anytime between 3pm & 6pm
49 Easton Rd., Suite 202, Willow Grove, PA 19090
30 Clipper Road, West Conshohocken, PA 19428
215 N. Presidential Blvd. Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
4200 North University Dr., Sunrise, FL 33351
One Valley Square 512 Townshipline Road Suite 133 Blue Bell, PA 19422
34 E. 39th Street, Suite B New York, NY 10016
494 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills, PA 19030 
Contact: Bronna Lipton, Executive Director 908 789-2993, blipton@secondchancetoys.org
601 New Britain Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901
1 Yale Drive, Richboro, PA 18954
Dance
American DanceWheels Foundation
PO Box 88 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Contact: Melinda Kremer, Executive Director info@americandancewheels.org
American DanceWheels Foundation (ADF) makes a significant contribution to the lives of individuals using wheelchairs for mobility and their able-bodied partners by providing social and therapeutic dance instruction in Wheelchair Ballroom and Latin Dancing. ADF gives participants a more social perspective than other wheelchair dance programs, because it allows students to dance with a spouse, family member, friend, or significant other employing traditional dance elements such as connection, lead, and follow. ADF's written curriculum allows people to dance at social events, like weddings and clubs, using both manual and power wheelchairs. In addition ADF's program creates a novel way to enhance physical conditioning emphasizing better posture, flexibility, head control, balance, range of motion, and wheelchair operation. ADF employs the language of dance to break down the social barriers between the able-bodied and disabled worlds.
Volunteer Opportunity: We are looking for volunteer standing partners to dance with individuals using wheelchairs. Saturdays 1:00-3:00pm
Elderly
Abramson Center for Jewish Life Contact: Mona Gold, Volunteer Director 215 371-3000 The Abramson Center for Jewish Life is a nonprofit provider of services to seniors that includes nursing care, assisted living, hospice, adult day care, counseling for caregivers, and aging research. Volunteer opportunities include friendly visits, one-on-one with a resident, reading to a resident, working with residents in our tech center, creating craft projects or playing games with residents, aiding residents to activities. Outside projects include collecting items to be used throughout the Center (i.e. books, games, CD's, DVD's, etc.) Aid for Friends Contact: Jeannie Feighan, Outreach Supervisor Aid for Friends serves the needy, isolated shut-ins, primarily the frail elderly, in the 5 county Greater Philadelphia region with free daily home-cooked meals, delivered by empathetic volunteer visitors. "Breakfast Bags" is a great project for young people. It is a bag with 4-5 non-perishable items (cereal box, juice box, tea bag, raisin box, etc.) and also includes a picture or a note from the young person assembling the bag. Our client/friends especially love these friendly messages. Other mitzvah opportunities include collecting pennies for friends, making meals and soups, food drives, collecting gifts of warmth, and much more. Visit our website for more project ideas. Aristacare at Meadow Springs 845 Germantown Pike Plymouth Meeting, Pa 19462 Contact: Frank Noselli LPN Guardianangels10@verizon.net
Aristacare is a specialized nursing facility. We have residents of all ages with many special needs. Our goal is top provide companionship and extra care and comfort measures for our residents on a one to one basis. Many are on life support. Many are in the last stages of life. Volunteer opportunity: Simply provide companionship and caring with one on one visitation. No experience is necessary. There is no set schedule. Come and go as you please. You decide which residents to see and how to spend your time together. *** This volunteer position is recommended for ages 15 and above. Jewish Family and Children's Service-Philadelphia Contact: Lisa Tischler, Volunteer Supervisor ltischler@jfcsphilly.org 267-256-2100 JFCS provides quality social and community services across the life spectrum to enhance the lives of families, children, and individuals. Guided by Jewish values, the services are available to all in the Greater Philadelphia Region. Our Volunteer Services department works collaboratively with the student to help design and implement a project to support JFCS. Many mitzvah opportunities can be arranged including: Detail of these mitzvah projects can be found in the Mitzvah tool kit on the JFCS website. Contact Lisa Tischler for details. Martins Run Contact: Vicki Connor, Volunteer Coordinator, 610 353-7660, ext. 216 Help at a senior residential community by reading to the visually impaired, scrapbooking photos and other momentos with residents, gardening, help in the library, gather and record oral histories from residents, play wii sports with residents, friendly visits, adopt a grandparent, and much more. P.O. Box 1042 Doylestown, PA 18901 Twilight Wish grants wishes to economically-disadvantaged seniors age 68 and older who cannot make their own dreams come true. Our mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving elders through wish granting celebrations connecting generations. Our vision is to make the world a nicer place to age, one wish at a time. We would love to match you with what we call an open wish (a wish in progress). Examples of some senior citizens' wishes include a recliner chair, a new hair-style, a wheelchair, a dinner out with family, an ice cream cone on the New Jersey boardwalk, or a hot air balloon ride. Once you contact us, we will help to match you with a wish candidate. Then, we need your pivotal help with raising funds. You can raise money by having a bake sale, car wash, or a special night at a local restaurant where a certain percentage of the proceeds goes to Twilight Wish. Depending on the wish recipient's location, you may also participate in the actual wish-granting celebration and meet your special senior citizen! We look forward to hearing from you. Please check out our website to learn more about past wishes fulfilled.
1425 Horsham Rd., North Wales, PA 19454
12271 Townsend Rd., Phila., PA 19154
2100 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
11 Martins Run, Media, PA 19063
Contact: Michelle Bowren, Director of Wish Management,
Wishdirector@twilightwish.org, 215-230-8777
Environmental
Corner of the Land at Congregation Beth Or
Contact: Mitch Diamond, mdiamond@atkore.com 215 491-6111; Bruce Dorsey, bdorsey@cephalon.com 215 628 9398
Volunteers plant and tend garden at Beth Or and the produce is donated to local needy families. Volunteer opportunities: group work days (spring and fall plantings, clean up) and ongoing weeding, harvesting, possibly produce delivery tasks. Contact Mitch or Bruce for details.
7910 Montgomery Avenue Elkins Park, PA 19027
Contact: Diana K. Weiner info@fhsp.org 215-782-8082
The Friends of High School Park is a non-profit volunteer organization whose mission is to create, manage, and preserve a viable native ecosystem in High School Park for the enjoyment of the community, in cooperation with Cheltenham Township. We are dedicated to inspiring the community to connect with others and the natural environment through service and learning connected with the park.
Volunteer opportunity: Consider helping the Friends of High School Park meet its mission of creating a native plant preserve. If you are interested in a project connected to nature and ecology, this could be the perfect match! A program called 'Adopt a Plot' is already in place, perfect for students and their families to volunteer to look after a designated plot for an extended period.
JNF-Jewish National Fund Contact: Nina Woldin, Education Content Manager 212 879-9305 Over the past 107 years JNF has evolved into a global environmental leader by planting 240 million trees, building over 200 reservoirs and dams, developing over 250,000 acres of land, creating more than 1000 parks, providing infrastructure for over 1,000 communities, bringing life to the Negev Desert, and educating students around the world about Israel and the environment. Create your own JNF mitzvah webpage to raise money for your mitzvah project. The proceeds will go towards a JNF project of your choice including: Sderot Indoor Recreation Center, Therapeutic Riding Centers, Aleh Negev, Project Baseball, B'nai Mitzvah Remembrance Wall, or Essence of Life. Go to the JNF website for more details. Pennypack Farm and Education Center Contact: Monika Hemmers, Volunteer Coordinator Our mission is to make local sustainable agriculture an important part of our community through farming, education, and community events. Bar/Bat Mitzvah students may volunteer for farming: weeding, pruning, harvesting, transplanting, cleaning beds, washing vegetables. The work can be arranged any day and time of the week with advance notice. Be aware, depending on weather; suncreen, hats, boots & closed-toe shoes need to be worn. Dress in layers as you will get dirty. Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association Contact: Robert Adams, Director of Stewardship 215 646-8866 The WVWA's goal is to protect the quality and beauty of the Wissahickon Creek and to enhance life in the Wissahickon Watershed. Volunteering involves removing invasive plants and replanting with native plant material. B'nai mitzvah students are encouraged to create a fundraiser to purchase native trees.
42 E. 69th St., New York, NY 10021
685 Mann Rd., Horsham, PA 19044
12 Morris Rd., Ambler, PA 19002
Families
Deserving Decor
PO Box 1055 Doylestown, PA 18901
Contact: Beth Baker beth@deservingdecor.org 215-550-5674
Deserving Decor is an organization of volunteers who donate their time, passion and talent to provide furnishing and decorating + services for transitional homeless shelters and the recently housed - using community donated furniture, household goods and home decor.
Volunteer Opportunities: Children can assist on the weekends sorting donations under adult supervision
Hope for Henry Foundation
P.O. Box 39133 Washington, D.C. 20016
Contact: Laurie Strongin, Founder and Executive Director & Julie Bender, Program Director 202 277-2710
Hope for Henry (HFH) improves the lives of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses by providing carefully chosen gifts and specially-designed programs to entertain, and promote comfort, care, and recovery.
HFH brings smiles and laughter, hope and magic into the lives of these children and their families. HFH was founded in 2003 to honor the legacy of Henry Strongin Goldberg, a Washington, DC resident who died at age seven of a rare, fatal disease. Since that time we have served more than 4,000 hospitalized children.
Hope for Henry sponsors birthday celebrations for seriously ill kids who are spending their special day in the hospital with its new program 'It's Your Birthday!'. HFH provides each of our hospital partners with over 20 themed birthday boxes for kids ages 1-21.
Volunteer opportunities would include organizing a collection or drive for brand new, unopened themed birthday supplies including hats, plates, cups, napkins, blowers, goody bags, party favors, decorations, and candy. The birthday boxes would then be assembled, decorated, and distributed to local area hospitals.
Interfaith Housing Development Corporation of Bucks County Contact: Sandy Mullican, Coordinator of Volunteers and Outreach smullican@ihdcbc.org IHDC is an interfaith partnership to address homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. Each year, they serve the needs of hundreds of families in an effort to encourage self-sufficiency and create a stable quality of life. IHDC creates affordable housing by rehabilitating "blighted" homes and building new ones. Their Fresh Start Donation Center collects gently used furniture and household goods and distributes them to families in need at no cost. Volunteer opportunities: Mon-Fri 9-5 and Saturday mornings Children can assist in accepting dropped off donations, help sort and organize donations, greet client-families and help them in selecting furniture items and household goods for their homes. Parents are encouraged to work together with their children to assist in the process. Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund Contact: Peggy Dolan, Founder/ Executive Director 215 643-0763 pdolan@dolanfund.org The KADMF lightens the burdens of families whose lives have been impacted by the serious illness, disability or injury of one or more children. This is done through advocacy, education, information and financial assistance for families who live in or are treated in the states of PA, NJ and DE. Volunteer opportunities include: organizing a fundraiser such as a volleyball tournament, flea market or walk-a-thon, assist with mailings and other office needs, help with Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program, assist with preparations for Family Fun Day. Kisses for Kyle Foundation Contact: Sharon Snyder, President; LouCrecie Garlanger, Volunteer Coordinator 267 210-1489 The Kisses for Kyle Foundation is dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families who reside in the Delaware Valley Region. Our mission is to alleviate some of the massive burden that these families face during this trying time. The foundation serves to provide funds to families whose children are battling cancer and provide hope and happiness through donations of gifts and their participation in other fun events. Volunteer opportunities include: You pick the location, time & date. For other volunteer opportunities, contact us at: volunteer@kissesforkyle.org One House At A Time Contact: Debi Wilson, Program Coordinator 215 646-7812 office@ohaat.org One House At A Time provides household furnishings to families without the basic necessities of life. Volunteers can collect gently used furniture, pots, pans, dishes, glasses, silverware and linens. Assistance is also needed with weekend deliveries and sorting donations. Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Contact: Linda Parry, Director of Volunteers, 215 387 8406 x404, Lori-Anne Miller, Volunteer Assistant, 215 291-0907 x 449 Provides a home away from home for families with critically ill children receiving treatment at Philadelphia area hospitals. On-site opportunities include: Weekend breakfast-cook, serve, and clean up a hearty breakfast with other volunteers, baking crew-bake tasty treats for the families, drop them off, and tour the house, Evening activity-volunteers can lead fun activities such as bingo, arts and crafts, magic show, wii game night. Off site projects include: Grab N Go bags-purchase individually wrapped snack items to fill ziplock bags that families use to sustain them during the day at the hospital, Shelf Stable food drive-collect cereal, salty snacks, cookies, and canned goods to stock the pantry, No cost fundraisers-Recycle for Ronald: collect soda can tabs, used ink cartridges, cell phones and deliver them to the house. Soles4Souls Contact: Liza Parkes, Donor Services lizap@giveshoes.org 615-391-5723 Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from the warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. The charity distributes these shoes free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 10 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently donating one pair every 7 seconds.) Volunteer opportunity: You can start your own shoe drive! It's a simple process. You will receive free materials and support for your drive. You can sign up at http://www.soles4souls.org/get_involved/shoe_drive.html YWCA Bucks County, PA Contact: Joan Marie Brown, Volunteer Coordinator jmbrown@ywcabucks.org 215 953-7793 x 115 Our non-profit social service agency must constantly raise funds to provide 40 services to low-income women, children and families at very low or no cost. We are always looking for clubs, groups and individuals who will hold passive fund raising events in their community for the benefit of our YWCA. All proceeds are used to help area families in need. Some groups hold car washes, others sell candy or chances, others hold penny races or collect donations at local events and fairs.
805 N. Wilson Ave., Bldg. 100, Unit 102 Bristol, PA 19007
602 S. Bethlehem Pike, Bldg. D, Ambler, PA 19002
P.O. Box 188, Willow Grove, PA 19090
411 Susquehanna Road, Ambler, PA 19002
3925 Chestnut Street, Phila., PA 19104, 100 E. Erie Ave, Phila., PA 19134
319 Martingale Drive Old Hickory, TN 37138
2425 Trevose Road, Trevose, PA 19053
Food
Caring Congregants at Congregation Beth Or Prepare dinners/breads/soups/desserts to be distributed to congregants who have experienced a loss, are recovering from an illness, or who are new parents. Meals are needed (with ingredients listed-low salt preferred) on an ongoing basis. They are stored in the downstairs freezer at Beth Or. Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) Contact: Melissa Samen, Group and B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator 610 660-0190 The mission of the Jewish Relief Agency is to assist families according to their individual needs. Two distinct volunteer opportunities are available:
Food Packing and Delivery: One Sunday per month, volunteers of all ages and abilities gather to pack and deliver food to families in the Greater Philadelphia area. Box making and produce packing take place from 8am to 10am, box packing from 10am to about 11:30/11:45am, and food delivery starting at 10:30am. Times are flexible. JRAid: As a volunteer, you decide how you want to help, pick the days and times you are available, and how you want to be notified. When a gig (an opportunity) matching your preferences becomes available, you are notified of a gig that may be of interest to you. Gigs include friendly phone calls and visits, Holiday meal preparation, raking leaves, shoveling snow, wishing someone a happy birthday, Spring clean-up, micro-donations, and more. For more information and to sign up, visit www.jraid.org. Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger Contact: Rosalie Licht- Project Coordinator rlicht@mazon.org 310 442 0020 Founded in 1985, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is the only national Jewish nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing and alleviating hunger among peopple of all faiths and backgrounds. It is essential to educate Jewish youth as they become our future leaders. Part of MAZON'S mission is to raise the consciousness of the Jewish community regarding its obligation to provide and advocate for people who are in need. The MAZON Tzedakah project is designed to engage, inspire and educate students as participants in hunger relief advocacy. Volunteer opportunities: Have a bake sale. Send proceeds to MAZON as tzedakah, and donate any leftover goods to your local food bank or food pantry. Donate canned goods for a canned food sale; proceeds can be sent to MAZON, and the canned food donated to a local food bank or food pantry. Collect books and then sell the books to benefit MAZON. Meals that Matter at Congregation Beth Or Volunteers gather one Sunday and Monday every other month, 10am-12noon, to cook for the Jewish elderly who are no longer able to shop or cook for themselves. Check The Mitzvah Bowl Calendar page for dates and times. The Mitzvah Food Project Contact: Drisana Davis, Food Project Manager, Deirdre Mulligan, Food Project Associate 215 832-0509 foodproject@jfgp.org The Mitzvah Food Project has varying volunteer opportunities including packing food packages, delivering food packages, making cards, donating non-perishable food or home-made baked goods, etc. Please fill out an online volunteer form at http://www.jewishphilly.org/mfp I want to help>Volunteer Registration form and you will be emailed or called with additional details for the pantry site closest to you and your individual interests. The food pantry locations are listed below:
Contact: Beth Apter, bethapter@verizon.net and Ellen Werther, ekwfarm@comcast.net 215 266-5906
10980 Dutton Rd., Phila., PA 19154
10495 Santa Monica Blvd. #100 Los Angeles, CA 90025
Contact: Robin Fireman, robinfireman@verizon.net 215 793-0866
2100 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19143
Health-Related
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Contact: Brenda Greene, Walk Director, bgreene@ccfa.org, 215 396-9100 Our mission is to cure crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the quality of life for children and adults affected by this disease. B'nai mitzvah students may assist with our Take Steps Walk Campaign by fundraising, developing a personal website, creating awareness and educating the community about our cause. In addition, our office staff has administrative needs for volunteers, including making phone calls and assembling mailings. You may also plan your own fundraising event at your school. Contact us to discuss the possibilities. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Delaware Valley Contact: Eileen Miley, Executive Director 610 325-6001 The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to assure the development of a means to cure Cystic Fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the U.S., leading to life-threatening lung infections. Be a Cystic Fibrosis Curefinder® at your school by educating fellow students about the importance of helping others and adding tomorrows every day to the lives of those with CF! Form a Great Strides walk team in your community. Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest fund-raising event. It provides opportunity for all people within a local community to form teams throughout their schools, clubs, and organizations, or with family and friends. Fox Chase Cancer Center Contact: Lisa Bailey, Director of Social Media Communications, Tina McDonnell, Director of Volunteer Services 215 214-3954 Fox Chase Cancer Center's mission is to reduce the burden of cancer by integrating scientific discoveries and technological advances into more effective treatments and prevention strategies. Volunteer, collect items for patients, help with special events, etc. by contacting Tina McDonnell to coordinate your mitzvah project. Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation Contact: Susan Greenspan, Ambassador Coordinator sgreenspan@giftoflife.org 561-982-2900 Gift of Life facilitates bone marrow, blood stem cell, and cord blood transplants for children and adults suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Since tissue type is inherited, a patient's best chance of finding a genetic match lies with donors of similar ethnicity. Gift of Life strives to increase the representation of Jewish donors in the registry in order to overcome the devastating effects of the Holocaust, which severed bloodlines and made the donor search particularly difficult for Jewish patients needing transplants. Volunteer opportunities: National MS Society Contact: Liz Price, Development Director 215 271-1500 elizabeth.price@pae.nmss.org
We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. There are many ways you can get involved and help us in the fight against MS. We are always looking for office and event volunteers. You may also register as a participant in an MS walk or cycling event. You can become an advocate for people affected by the disease by contacting elected officals and urging them to vote the right way on important legislation. National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association of Delaware Valley Contact: Rebecca Tantala, Executive Director 215 887-0877 info@tay-sachs.org NTSAD-DV in a non-profit, volunteer health agency dedicated to the prevention of Tay-Sachs, Canavan, and allied diseases. We offer free screening for Tay-Sachs and Canavan throughout the year. Beyond the obvious donations, we need to support our free screening programs, we need people to raise awareness in their communities. A student may organize a screening of an educational Tay-Sachs video to help educate fellow students about the disease. We can help them prepare a presentation about allied diseases. Norm Kulig 2Young2Go Foundation Contact: Bill Kasenchar, President Bill@2young2go.org, 215 313-8698 The Norm Kulig 2Young2Go Foundation is dedicated to increasing the awareness of environment related causes of cancer, further the scientific research of such cancers and promoting the environmental cleanup of areas contaminated by cancer causing substances. We raise money for mesothelioma (cancer due to asbestos exposure) research. We hold a 5K/10K running race and 1 mile walk every spring. The race starts and ends at Wissahickon High School. We need volunteers for race day to help direct runners, hand out food, t-shirts. The commitment for these tasks is approximately 3 hours. For those interested in more involvement, we can provide opportunities related to the organization and planning of the race. Sharsheret Contact: Ellen Kleinhaus, Project Manager 866 474-2774 Sharsheret is a national not-for-profit organization for young Jewish women and their families facing breast cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of support to women, of all Jewish backgrounds, diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally-relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources. B'nai mitzvah students can choose from one or many of the following projects: Philadelphia Affiliate Susan G. Komen for the Cure Contact: Elaine I. Grobman, 215 238-8900, info@komenphiladelphia.org Our mission is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. Mitzvah project opportunities include helping with Race for the Cure®, held on May 8, 2011 by: Teens for the Cure/Susan G. Komen for the Cure Teens for the cure was founded in 2009 by a group of teens in the Philadelphia area who joined together to help raise awareness about breast cancer while supporting the mission of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Through its focus on fundraising and breast cancer awareness, Teens for the Cure educates and empowers teenagers by showing them that they can make a difference in ending this disease. Many of these teens know the fear and disruption caused by a breast cancer diagnosis in their own families or in their friends' families. Teens for the Cure works with a dedicated group of volunteers, retailers and schools who lovingly lend their support, experience and time to assist in the plannng and execution of numerous fundraisers. Some fundraising ideas for volunteers are: organize a bake sale, a bowl-a-thon, dance-a-thon, car wash, dog wash, hold a talent show, host a community-wide yard sale, organize a "three-on-three" basketball tournament, make & sell jewelry and crafts, hold a book-a-thon, set up a concession stand at a school game. Visit the website for further suggestions. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so it's a perfect month, (but not the only month) to hold a fundraiser for Teens for the Cure!)
367 East Street Rd., Trevose, PA 19053
2004 Sproul Rd., Suite 208, Broomall, PA
333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111
800 Yamato Road, Suite 101, Boca Raton, FL 33431
1. Hold a fundraising event benefiting Gift of Life. (Be creative and see the Mitzvah Bowl website's "more ideas page").
2. Work with parents and adults in the community to coordinate a recruitment drive for potential bone marrow donors.
3. Collect items (or raise funds to purchase items) to comfort donors, such as blankets, DVDs, portable DVD players, books on tape, etc.
30 S. 17th Street, Suite 800 Phila., Pa 19103
720 Greenwood Ave., Suite 300, Jenkintown, PA 19046
422 Marion Ave., Ambler, PA 19002
1086 Teaneck Rd., Suite 3A, Teaneck, NJ 07666
125 S. 9th Street, Suite 202, Phila., PA 19107
Contact: Barbara Davis KomenTeensfortheCure@gmail.com 215 238-8900
Holocaust
Holocaust Awareness Museum Contact: Phil Holtje, Program Director holocaustmuseum@verizon.net (215) 464-4701 Using the resources of the museum, they educate Delaware Valley students and adults by personalizing the Holocaust so that they learn the consequences of racism, ethnic cleansing, and intolerance. The Holocaust was a watershed event, not only in the 20th century, but in the entire history of humanity. The study of the Holocaust provides one with the most effective ways to work with students to examine basic moral issues and value systems. Volunteers who participate in their Witness To History Program "steps into the shoes" of Holocaust survivors and liberators and learn their unique testimonies. Participants meet with the survivor, along with a member of the musueum's Education Staff, listen to their testimony, ask questions, view a videotape, write a biography, and reenact their testimony to a group of people who have not heard it yet. For more information, visit: http://www.holocaustawarenessmuseum.org/content/witness-to-history-project SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER/MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE NEW YORK Contact: Julie Silver, Associate jsilver@wiesenthal.com 212 697 1180 ext. 1180
The Simon Wiesenthal Center is a global Jewish human rights organization that confronts anti-Semitism, hate and terrorism, promotes human rights and dignity, stands with Israel, defends the safety of Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations. The Center challenges visitors to confront bigotry and racism, and to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts. Through interactive workshops, exhibits, and videos, individuals explore issues of prejudice, diversity, tolerance, and cooperation in the workplace and in the community.
Contact us for volunteer opportunities. We will work with you to create your own volunteer project!
10100 Jamison Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19116
Homeless
The Joy of Sox Contact: Tom Costello Jr., Chief Sock Person 610 745-1075 tom@thejoyofsox.org Our mission is to supply socks to the homeless. We need community involvement in collecting new socks for the homeless. This could be run out of a school, synagogue or office. Volunteers may also fundraise to purchase new socks, help package socks and then deliver them to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.
580 Lindsay Drive, Radnor, PA 19087
International
2100 Arch St # 3 Philadelphia, PA 19103-1300
Contact: Sarah Peterson, Director of Development & Refugee
Program Manager; Tamara Cohen, Social Justice Rabbinic Intern
speterson@hiaspa.org; tcohen@hiaspa.org 215-832-0900
HIAS and Council Migration Service of Philadelphia ("HIAS and Council") was founded nearly 130 years ago to help Jewish immigrants and refugees fleeing persecution and seeking opportunity in America. Based on the tradition of "welcoming the stranger" and tikkun olam, HIAS and Council works to represent, resettle, and reunite Jewish and all immigrants and refugees of limited means residing in Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley. Over the past 128 years, HIAS has served over 300,000 Jewish refugees from around the world fleeing from persecution and oppression.
Volunteers have various options for helping newly arriving refugees. They can collect new or gently used household items that will be distributed to arriving refugee families to help them start their new lives in Philadelphia. They can also help set up homes for newly arriving refugee families. There are also opportunities for picking up refugee families from the airport when they first arrive in the Philadelphia. Other opportunities are also available including advocacy projects around immigration issues in Pennsylvania.
Love to Langa Contact: Amy Ostroff, President 610 608-9347 lovetolanga@gmail.com Love to Langa supports the work of Siyaphambili Orphanage Village, which was founded in 2005 by Ndileka Xameni. Formerly a social worker, she reponded to the growing number of young children orphaned by parents with HIV/AIDS. The orphanage currently serves 250 orphaned and vulnerable children, including 85 grandparents, 35 Child-headed households and 25 teen mothers. The charity is new and needs funds in order to purchase land and building materials. Mitzvah projects may also include:
125 Birkdale Drive, Blue Bell, PA 19422
North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry (NACOEJ) Contact: Judy Dick, Mitzvah Project Coordinator; Miriam Weissman, Twinning Director; Gary Metzger, Director of Community Relations 212 233-5200 nacoej@nacoej.org mitzvah@nacoej.org NACOEJ is the only major American organization exclusively committed to the welfare of Ethiopian Jews. They help Ethiopian Jews survive in Ethiopia, assist them in reaching Israel, aid in their absorption in Israel and help preserve their unique and ancient culture. For mitzvah project ideas go to: www.nacoej.org/mitzvahprojecttools.html. NACOEJ also offers the opportunity for Twinning between U.S. and Ethiopian-Israeli bnei mitzvah.
132 Nassau St. Suite #412 New York, NY 10038
Israel
American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) Contact: Sharon Schmidt, Greater Phila. Area Director AFMDA 215 947-7007 AFMDA is the authorized fundraising and advocacy organization in the US supporting the lifesaving efforts of Magen David Adom (MDA) in Israel, which provides Israel's pre-hospital emergency medical needs including disaster, ambulance and blood services. For the first time, a unique "mitzvah project" opportunity, the "Red Bag of Courage," is being offered to students and groups by AFMDA. The Red Bag is a replica of the paramedic's kit used by all MDA's volunteer "first responders" when racing to the scene of a medical emergency. The price of a fully outfitted bag filled with emergency equipment is $1000. Students and groups can use their own resourcefulness to raise money via walk-a-thons, dance-a-thons, babysitting, selling crafts, car washes, bake sales, etc. Students may also sell our red bracelets and pins. As a thank you from AFMDA, donors will receive their own Red Bag. Birthday Angels Contact: Ruthie Sobel Luttenberg, Director 972+9+8919942 birthdayangelsproject@gmail.com Birthday Angels gives every needy Israeli child the esteem building experience of a birthday party with her or his friends. Turn the things you love into a mitzvah: if you love to bake, make a bake sale; if you love to skate, have a skating party; if you love to run, make a marathon; if you love crafts, make something special and sell it; if you babysit, give your earnings to Birthday Angels. Everyone is good at something. Open this link to see the fabulous things other Birthday Angels did for their mitzvah projects and get inspired: http://www.birthday-angels.org/70698/Angel-of-the-Month Teens can buy kits to do parties in the US. They can do on hands volunteer work beyond their fundraising efforts for Birthday Angels. Boys Town Jerusalem Contact: Deborah Zarwin Rose, Executive Director Mid-Atlantic Region drose@boystownjerusalem.org 215 887-1590 Boys Town Jerusalem is one of Israel's premier institutions for educating the country's next generation of leaders in the fields of technology, commerce, education, the military and public service. Since its founding in 1948, BTJ has pursued its mission of turning young boys from limited backgrounds into young men with limitless futures. From Junior High through the College level, the three part curriculum at Boys Town-academic, technological, and Torah-is designed to turn otherwise disadvantaged Israeli youth into productive citizens of tomorrow. B'nai Mitzvot may set up an individual webpage that can be emailed to family and friends soliciting their support for a project at the school in the city of Jerusalem. Funds may be earmarked to support scholarships for disadvantaged students; the purchase of computers; sports equipment and other vitally needed educational materials such as books and software; funding transportation to students' community service projects throughout the city of Jerusalem. Keren Or Contact: Avi Smolen, Development and Communications Assistant avi@keren-or.org 212 279-4070
Keren Or (Hebrew for ray of light) is the only center of its kind in the world under Jewish auspices devoted exclusively to the care and rehabilitation of children with visual impairment who are also physically and/or mentally disabled. Keren Or students range in age from infancy to young adulthood. Their state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated staff, and individualized therapy programs allow each of their students (over 100) to reach his or her maximum potential. Volunteer opportunities: Bar/Bat Mitzvah students can learn about the Keren Or Center in Jerusalem, the challenges facing our students with multiple disabilities, and how they can make a difference. We will work with them to create a project or make a presentation in their home communities that will benefit the work of Keren Or. They can also raise money to benefit the work of the Center in Jerusalem. For more information or to receive our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Kit with information about our work, resources about the challenges facing children with disabilities, and ideas for mitzvah projects, contact Avi Smolen at avi@keren-or.org or 212-279-4070. 318 W 100th St, Apt 6A, New York, NY 10025 Contact: Meg Sullivan, Co-Founder/Co-Director meg@projectharmonyisrael.com 917-476-6296
Project Harmony is a 4-week English language summer camp that aims to create a safe social space for Arab and Jewish children from Jerusalem to relate to one another as kids. We believe in working towards peace through shared experience, one summer at a time. See our website for fun pictures from previous summers!
B'nai Mitzvot may support Project Harmony Israel through fundraising however they like: bake sales, collecting donations from family and friends, etc. Funds will go to scholarships for underprivileged campers and camp materials like art supplies and food for lunches.
Save a Child's Heart Foundation (SACH) Contact: Larry Maltin, Regional Director Mid-Atlantic, maltin@saveachildsheartus.org
215.542.8371 Providing Lifesaving Cardiac Surgery for the World's Poorest Children" Save A Child's Heart (SACH) is a non-profit, international humanitarian project based in Israel. Its mission is to improve the quality of cardiac care for children from developing countries, regardless of nationality, religion, race, gender, or financial status. Volunteer Opportunity:
P.O. Box 52158, Phila., PA 19115
Hashaldag 9 Kadima Israel 60920
333 E. Lancaster Avenue, #351, Wynnewood, PA 19096
350 7th Ave., Suite 701 New York, New York 10001 (Center is located in Jerusalem)
10050 Chapel Road Potomac, MD 20854
David Litwack Executive Director litwack@saveachildsheartus.org 301 618 4588
Literacy
5 Thistle St, Portola Valley, CA 94028
Contact: Chris Bradshaw, Founder/President info@africanlibraryproject.org 650 851 3640
The African Library Project changes lives book by book by starting libraries in rural Africa. Our grassroots approach mobilizes U.S. volunteers, young and old, to organize book drives and ship books to a partner library in Africa. Our method makes a concrete and personal difference for children and youth on both continents.
Help start a library in Africa by organizing your own book drive. Schools, Scouts, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, college clubs, companies and many others have offered the gift of reading to an African community by recycling books from family bookshelves. Use our Book Drive Guidelines to collect, sort, pack and then mail your books to our warehouse, where they will be containerized for shipment to Africa. Your goal is to collect 1,000 appropriate books and approximately $500 for shipping and related costs.
1207 Chestnut St., 6th Floor, Phila., PA 19107Contact: Adrienne Jacoby, Executive Director; ajacoby@philareads.org
Jim Remsen, Book Bank Coordinator 215 851-1723
Philadelphia Reads has a free children's book bank located at Martin Luther King H.S. in Philadelphia. Gently used and new children's books are collected through book drives.
For your Bar and Bat Mitzvah project, the book drives can be conducted in several ways:
- Conduct a community book drive
- Purchase books to be used as centerpieces on your table and note that the books will be donated to Philadelphia Reads
- Ask guests to bring gently used or new children's books to your Bar or Bat Mitzvah
Music
Hungry For Music Contact: Jeff Campbell, Founder and Executive Director, 240-582-6193, hungryformusic@att.net Hungry for Music's mission is to bring positive musical and creative experiences in to the lives of underprivileged children by providing them with donated musical instruments. These instruments are donated throughout the nation as well as internationally. Volunteer Opportunity: Organize an instrument drive to donate the instruments to these underprivileged children. Judaica Sound Archives @ FAU Libraries Contact: Maxine Schackman, Assistant Director 561 297-0080 The Judaica Sound Archives at Florida Atlantic University Library's main mission is to collect, preserve, and digitize Judaica sound recordings; to create educational programs highlighting the contents of this rich cultural legacy; and to encourage the use of this unique scholarly resource by students, scholars, and the general public. For a mitzvah project which combines music, finding hidden treasure, and rescuing a Jewish cultural heritage, the Judaica Sound Archives is the perfect choice. They prevent music from being lost forever by converting phonograph recordings to a digital format. The recordings were produced between 1901 and the present and include not only Hebrew, Yiddish, and English songs relating to the Jewish experience but also other works by prominent Jewish artists. This mitzvah project can involve fund-raising for this historic effort and/or collecting actual recordings to send to the archives. Do Bubbe and Zayde have some old Yiddish recordings gathering dust in the attic? The JSA wants them! The website even provides pre-printed mailing labels and instructions to make sending the records easy for you. Its the perfect project that spans the generations and provides a unique learning experience. Perfect for any music lover! Music for Autism Contact: Robert Accordino, Co-Founder and Executive Director 646 964-6487, robert@musicforautism.org Music for Autism is raising public awareness and enriching lives through autism-friendly, interactive concerts developed specifically for individuals with autism and their families. The concerts feature professional musicians, including Tony award winners and Grammy-nominated classical artists. To ensure equal access for all, every Music for Autism concert is fully subsidized. The volunteer opportunity is to organize a concert for fundraising purposes-not an 'autism-friendly', interactive concert-and to raise awareness of our work with an eye towards expanding our concerts to Pennsylvania in the future. Children interested would organize a local concert at which they and friends would perform-the profits raised would then be donated to Music for Autism to support our fully subsidized musical programs to allow those with autism and their families, irrespective of socioeconomic status, the ability to experience a high quality, live musical performance as well. Musicopia Contact: Denise Kinney, Executive Director, debbiestern@musicopia.net Debbie Stern, Gift of Music Coordinator 215 829-9522 Music education organization focused on areas where the schools and residents have little or no access to music educations for the students. Volunteer Opportunity: Organize an instrument donation drive for schools who have students who want to play an instrument but do no have the money to rent/buy equipment.
6 Grant Ave. Suite 3 Takoma Park, MD 20912
777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431
23 Pine Hill Court, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
2001 Market Street, Suite 3100 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Religious Celebrations
B'nai B'rith Project H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Everywhere) Contact: Samuel Domsky, Chair samuel@netreach.net A once a year Mitzvah Project, the Sunday before Passover, to deliver Kosher for Passover food to our most needy, elderly and isolated Jews in the Philadelphia Region. The Project involves planning, fundraising, and volunteers to ensure success annually. The Passover League Contact: Paul M. Perlstein, Esq. or Brian M. Levine 610 660-0530 The Passover League, founded in 1933, is supported by volunteers and many Philadelphia charitable organizations. Its mission is to help needy individuals and families celebrate the Passover holiday. Seders, funded by The Passover League, are held throughout various Delaware Valley locations. These seders reach thousands of individuals who would normally be unable to celebrate the traditional Passover holiday. The Passover League also serves Jewish veterans in various local hospitals. B'nai mitzvah students may help by raising charitable dollars through a Matzah drive or other creative fundraiser or help with the Golden Slipper Seder. Contact The Passover League to see how you can make an impact on their mission.
3213 Burn Brae Drive, Dresher, PA 19025
215 N. Presidential Boulevard, 1st floor, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Shelter
Laurel House Contact: Stacy Sweinhart, Volunteer Coordinator 610-277-1860, ssweinhart@laurel-house.org The mission of Laurel House is to provide safe haven for abused women and their children, to raise public awareness about domestic violence and to advocate for social change against domestic violence. Are all of your friends getting a new cell phone? Well, collect the old ones! Laurel House accepts all used cell phones and ink cartridges so why not organize a collection? Ask your parents' coworkers, friends at schools, teachers, etc. They are greatly appreciated here! Having a party? Ask for our shelter wish list and ask your friends and family to bring something from the wish list to the party. It's a fun and easy way to gather much needed donations for our shelter!
P.O. Box 764, Norristown, PA 19404
Soldiers
A Package from Home Contact: Barbara Bloom Silverman, Founder 516 791-8100; Shira Gilor, Project Manager 02-6232667 Packages are sent to Israeli soldiers to strengthen their spirits, show our appreciation and support, and provide items they need. Write letters to the soldiers, collect items to send with people going to Israel, collect donations and adopt a unit, or knit or crochet winter hats for the soldiers. Visit our website to learn about more about these and other mitzvah opportunities. Beth Or Troop Connections (BOTC) Contact: Susy Krimker, 215 572-8325, susykrimker@gmail.com Prior to Rosh Hashanah, Passover and Hannukah, BOTC volunteers collect items that are included in holiday care packages sent to Jewish soldiers stationed abroad. In addition, BOTC seeks financial donations via a fundraising project, to cover the cost of shipping. Cell Phones for Soldiers Contact: Crystal Emerick, Marketing Agency 704 361-5230 crystal.emerick@aspirecommunications.org Cell Phones for Soldiers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing free means of communication to the men and women serving in the United States military. Volunteers are encouraged to collect gently-used mobile phones. Once collected, the phones are processed and the proceeds go to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Cell Phones for Soldiers then provides those funds via prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. Coupons to Troops Contact: Jessica Cohen, Publisher, bucksmontmom.com LLC 201 838-8140 Military families do their grocery and household shopping at commissaries and Post Exchanges on base, where prices are more expensive than they are here. Cut out and sort manufacturer's coupons which will then be sent to military families stationed at the Incirlik Air Force Base in Turkey. Manufacturer's coupons are valid six months post-expiration on the bases and commissaries, but coupons do not have to be expired to be sent. I will provide detailed descriptions of the categories for sorting to anyone interested in helping with this mitzvah project. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces 500 Office Center Drive, Suite 400, Ft. Washington, PA 19034 Contact: Tzvia Wexler tzvia.wexler@fidf.org 267-513-1875
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces provide and support social, educational, cultural, and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. It also offers these services to the families of fallen soldiers.
Dedicate a fundraiser such as a bake-sale, walk-a-thon or fashion show production to the brave soldiers of the IDF - or sell FIDF bracelets and pins - or hold a gathering at which your friends can meet an IDF soldier. B'nai Mitzvah students can select a Program that touches their heart and one that will benefit from their fundraising. Examples are the 'Legacy' program that ensures that a child whose parent or sibling has been killed in action, has a memorable Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and the 'Dignity' program that provides relief to Lone Soldiers and IDF soldiers in-need. Major Stuart Adam Wolfer Institute Contact: Tatyana Ofenbakh, Director of Bar/Bat Mitzvah Projects 551-404-4234 tatyana@msawi.org MSAWI is committed to supporting U.S. troops stationed overseas and domestically. MSAWI seeks to directly involve the community in it's mission so that those of us at home give our most precious resource, our time. MSAWI seeks to increase awareness of the sacrifices our service people make on our behalf each and every day through educational programs at schools, communities and religious institutions. MSAWI involves young people directly in showing our appreciation through letter writing campaigns, care package making and collection of cell phones to allow troups to call home.
4/13 Shai Agnon Street, Jerusalem, Israel
243 Winter Street, Norwell, MA
P.O. Box 447, Richboro, PA
Cathedral Station, PO Box 975, New York, NY 10025
Special Needs
Autism Speaks Christina Carter, Director, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter, Autism Speaks 856 858-5400 Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism, and advocating for the needs of affected families. We have administrative volunteer opportunities in our South Jersey office. We are also looking for volunteers for our local (Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia Walk Now for Autism Speaks and Ride for Autism Speaks Philadelphia ) events. We can also work with Bar/Bat Mitzvah students on creating special service projects/fundraisers. Friendship Circle Philadelphia Region North Contact: Mrs. Miriam Shemtov, Executive Director friends@fcpa.info 215 497-1003 The Friendship Circle South reaches out and extends a helping hand to families who have children with special needs and involves them in a full range of social experiences. The Circles' unique formula introduces teenage volunteers to the children and through shared experiences both are enriched. Volunteers become friends to a child with special needs, thereby, giving them the opportunity to have what every child needs- friends, role models and love. Volunteer opportunity: For B'nai Mitzvah, there is a 6 week program at the Glazier Jewish Center in Newtown. The program includes training sessions and hands on experiences through interacting with the special children from our community. Friendship Circle Philadelphia Region South Contact: Chani Baram, Program Director info@phillyfriendship.com 215 574-1765 The Friendship Circle, serving Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware Counties, reaches out and extends a helping hand to families who have children with special needs and involves them in a full range of social experiences. The Circles' unique formula introduces teenage volunteers to the children and through shared experiences both are enriched. Volunteers become friends to a child with special needs, thereby, giving them the opportunity to have what every child needs- friends, role models and love. Volunteer opportunity: Announcing a new Mitzvah Volunteer Program for 6th and 7th graders! This program includes sensitivity trainings as well as hands on experiences with children with special needs and helping to coordinate and plan an event for the children. The program is offered on a weeknight in a series of 6-week sessions, one on the Main Line and the other in the Bux-Mont area. Little Wonders Child Growth and Development Contact: Dana & Eric Pollack, owners 610 275-KIDS Little Wonders is a children's gym offering programs for all children. We specialize in offering Recreational Therapeutic Group activities for children with special needs. Our summer camp program is an ideal opportunity to complete your mitzvah project. We also take a limited amount of volunteering in our Groups. Each group runs an eight week session on weeknights or weekends. Lose the Training Wheels, Inc. Contact: Matt Hampton, Executive Director matt.hampton@losethetrainingwheels.org The mission of Lose The Training Wheels is to teach people with disabilities to ride a conventional two wheeled bicycle and become lifelong independent riders. This achievement, in turn, creates a gateway of opportunity helping them gain assurances and self reliance in many other aspects of their lives. Volunteers at each of their many camps are assigned to a rider as their "spotter" and provide physical and emotional support for that rider throughout the course of the week. Volunteers should be physically fit so they are able to run along side the rider and catch them if they begin to fall. Many times volunteers are as impacted as the riders are inspired by the courage that people with disabilities exhibit everyday. Time requirements: 90 minutes, generally M-F 8:30-5pm Their website indicates locations and date information. Woods Services Contact: Victoria Brossy, Coordinator of Volunteers 215 750-4214 Woods, Inc, a private, non-profit organization, provides a broad range of human services to people with special needs and challenges. The primary goal is to maximize each individual's potential through the delivery of high-quality services in a safe, caring, and healthy environment. Woods strives to help individuals lead full and rewarding lives through the acquisition, development, and retention of skills as well as exposure to a variety of life experiences. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age. Spend time with our residents doing various activities such as reading, sports, arts & crafts, et cetera.
216 Haddon Ave., Suite 403, Westmont, NJ 08108
25 N. State St. Newtown, PA
754 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA
100 West Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA 19401
P.O. Box 617, Goddard KS, 67052
Rts. 413 & 213 Langhorne, PA 19047
Sports
Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Contact: Ben Hirsh, Coordinator of Youth Leadership and Volunteer engagement, 215 487-9555, bhirsh@ashetennis.org The mission of the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center is to create meaningful opportunities for a diverse cross-section of young people, especially those from under-resourced families and communities, to achieve success as individuals and as active, responsible citizens. We attain this mission through innovative tennis, education, life skills, and leadership development programming in neighborhoods throughout the Philadelphia area and at our state-of-the-art Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center. There is a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from working on court with the Munchkin Clinic, to helping with reading and homework, community clean-ups, administrative assistance, PR assistance. If you have an interest, we have an outlet for you. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Contact: Diane Spencer dspencerepysa@verizon.net 215-661-0968 TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girls, age 8-19, who has a mental or physical disability. The goal is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer & US Youth Soccer families. Volunteer Opportunity: Soccer buddy Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation Contact: Maria Leonetti, Finance & Development Manager mleonetti@esyhf.org 215 952-4196 The mission of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation (ESYHF) is to use the sport of hockey to help educate young people to succeed in the game of life. Volunteers can be creative and do all sorts of projects from equipment drives to assisting coaches and other fundraising programs. TImes available are: weekdays after school and on Saturdays. PeacePlayers International Contact: Brian Cognato, Communications and Development Associate, 202 639-6515, bcognato@peaceplayersintl.org PeacePlayers International uses the game of basketball to unite, educate and inspire young people in divided communities, based on the premise that children who play together can learn how to live together. (PPI's affiliate in Israel and the West Bank, PeacePlayers International- Middle East, promotes peaceful coexistence among Arab and Jewish young people in the region and provides positive extracurricular outlets for those from disadvantaged communities.) Volunteers can bring their friends and family together on the basketball court to help further peace in the Middle East. PeacePlayers International can give you the tools to plan, organize and host your own 3-on-3 basketball tournament with proceeds going to PeacePlayers International's own work using the game to bridge divides between Arab and Jewish children in Israel. Pitch in for Baseball Contacts: David Rhode, Executive Director and Ira Rosenberg, Program Coordinator IraR@pitchinforbaseball.org 267 263-4069 Pitch in for Baseball is the central organization for the collection and redistribution of new and gently used equipment to underserved children both in the US and around the world. It is also committed to youth baseball in Israel through an ongoing partnership with Israel Association of Baseball. Mitzvah projects include collecting baseball and softball equipment. Pitch in for Baseball has served over 65 countries around the world and over 250 communities in the United States. Rodney Street Tennis Contact: Tina Tharp, Managing Director 302 256-0235 tinatharp@comcast.net The Rodney Street Tennis and Tutoring Assoc. builds lives through tennis and education for at-risk inner-city boys and girls in the Great Wilmington Region. It helps these kids reach their full potential on and off the tennis court. The lessons learned from this program go far beyond tennis. RSTTA combines academics, athletics, nutrition, and civic responsibility to encourage the development of a child from a holistic perspective. Volunteers are needed throughout the year to help tutor these children. 4-7PM Monday-Thursday
4842 Ridge Ave., Phila., PA 19129
Two Village Road, Suite 3, Horsham, PA 19044
3601 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19148
1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 640, Washington D.C. 20004
1541 Gehman Rd., Harleysville, PA 19438
1101 N. Market Street Wilmington, DE 19801
