• Integral to our community is Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). During Hanukkah, we focus on giving back to the wider community with a number of volunteer efforts that span the months of December and January. Each volunteer opportunity and collection effort is designed to spread warmth and support to those who need it most during the Hanukkah season. Serve for 8 has long been a tradition in the BZBI community – and this year we invite you to get involved in any number of ways. You will find a complete list of the opportunities we have available below. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Programming & Outreach Coordinator Julia Pollock.

November 14 – December 21 Collections for Bethesda Project Clients: All donation boxes can be found in the Goldberg Sanctuary; boxes will be clearly labeled based on item type.

If you would like to order the items listed on Amazon and drop them off at BZBI rather than donating gently used items – that is more than welcome as well (Please ONLY donate new toiletries and  snacks). 

1. Socks, gloves, hats, men’s underwear, scarves
2. Sample sized toiletries 
3. Wrapping paper
4. Snack collection: granola bars, fruit snacks, juice boxes, nuts, crackers (please donate anything that is in small, individually wrapped packages, we cannot accept large boxes)
5. Winter coats 

November 14 – December 21: Fill a New Playroom with Books for The Salvation Army Red Shield Family Residence and Eliza Shirley House; book drop off is located near the preschool entrance.

BZBI is collecting gently used children’s books for families at The Salvation Army Red Shield Family Residence and Eliza Shirley House – safe shelters supporting parents and children as they work toward stability. Please donate books your kids have outgrown, every story shared helps a child feel at home!

December 11: Donate blood in December! Tenth Presbyterian Church and BZBI are teaming up once again to hold a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross. Donations will be taken at Tenth Pres from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM on December 11. Click here to book your time slot. 

December 21: Wrap up event at 10:00 AM in the Goldberg Sanctuary. We will be wrapping all donated items and packing snacks. If you would like to volunteer for this event, please reach out to Julia Pollock at communications@bzbi.org. 

Thursday, December 25: Trinity Winter Shelter volunteering – Each year BZBI cooks and serves 20-25 men who reside in the Trinity Church at 22nd and Spruce Streets. It’s a wonderful experience for all involved as we “break bread” together. You can participate in a number of ways: 

1. Select an item(s) to drop off at the church (December 25 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM). Click here to sign up for food drop off. *Important – please label your food packages clearly with the following: Dec 25th Dinner, Contents, e.g. Chicken dinner, Directions for warming, serving, etc.
2. Come help set up and/or serve the men on December 25 from 7:00-8:30 PM. Please email Rachel Luterman at ra.lute920@gmail.com if you would like to partake!  

January 19: Volunteer at MANNA – Join your BZBI community on MLK, Jr. Day at MANNA to help prepare food for people living with serious illness. We have committed to filling the afternoon shift (1:30 – 4:00 PM) at the MANNA facility at 420 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 and would love to see you there! 

Teens 14+ years old are welcome. Fill out this Google Interest Form and Suzy Dayanim will reach out to you with volunteer details. If you have questions, feel free to contact Suzy at sldayanim@gmail.com.

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