Dec 26, 2012
Jewish Community Volunteer Day Warms Hearts Across Miami-Dade
Hundreds of people from Miami’s Jewish community volunteered their time on December 25, preparing and serving meals to those in need, creating holiday celebrations for those less fortunate and wrapping presents for children in hospitals. It was all part of the Fifth Annual Jewish Community Volunteer Day, presented by the Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and made possible through the generous support of Florida Blue.
Volunteers wrapped holiday presents for patients at Miami Children’s Hospital, cooked and served meals at Community Partnership for the Homeless, Ronald McDonald House and the Salvation Army, as well as hosted holiday celebrations for families and children in need. Young helpers colored book plates to give to other children, and baby hats and booties were knitted for the youngest victims of domestic violence.
The JVC was able to recruit more than 500 giving participants, completely filling volunteer opportunities at 11 different venues nearly a week ahead of time.
“The fact that all volunteer opportunities were completely filled so quickly shows how eager and willing the people in this community are to help those less fortunate,” said Mark Kravitz, JVC Chair. “I’m always humbled by the readiness people have to give of themselves to others.”
At the Ronald McDonald House, people put on their chef’s hats and made a special meal for patients and their families who are in Miami from all over the world for treatment at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Others spent the day singing songs, creating arts and crafts and celebrating at a holiday party for the families there.
“There are parents at the Ronald McDonald House that are doing all they can to be there for their hospitalized children, and for us to be able to give them just a few hours of reprieve from worrying — it was more than I could have hoped for,” said Tobi Ash, Captain of the Ronald McDonald House Holiday Celebration project.
At two hospitals, volunteers gave their time to make patients’ days a little better. Presents were wrapped for kids at Miami Children’s Hospital in advance of the holiday and left under their beds, and friendly visits were made at Aventura Hospital.
“My daughters and I were so happy to participate in this incredible mitzvah,” said Enny Wax. “Although many patients were sleeping or otherwise occupied, there were several that, we felt, were truly touched by our gesture. What surprised us was that it affected us in a very deep way. By giving, we actually received a great gift! My girls and I will indeed continue to reflect on our experience with the group for, not only many weeks and months to come, but for a lifetime. We hope to be a part of more mitzvah opportunities in the future!”
Through JVC’s partnership with PJ Library, little volunteers put their coloring skills to the test and decorated book plates for children’s books that were donated to Lotus House in Miami, a shelter especially for women and children. Recipients were also given a new pair of pajamas to go along with their new book.
“Seeing our children get involved on Jewish Community Volunteer Day — there’s nothing more rewarding,” said Brian Bilzin, Federation Board Chair. “Teaching our kids about the values of tzedakah and tikkun olam, and then having them put these lessons into action — there’s no better return for anyone — be it a Jewish professional, philanthropist or parent.”
See coverage in The Miami Herald.
The Jewish Volunteer Center is the central clearinghouse for volunteerism in Miami’s Jewish community and matches individuals, families and groups to opportunities for involvement with a wide variety of local nonprofit organizations. Aside from Jewish Community Volunteer Day, there are numerous opportunities to get involved throughout the year. Click here to read more about the Jewish Volunteer Center and find out more ways to get involved. For more information, email Volunteer@JewishMiami.org or call 786.866.8680.
