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Volunteer to Spread the Cheer

Federation’s Mitzvah Day is December 24th

Given that December 25th falls on a Shabbat this year, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit will carry on the tradition of its Mitzvah Day on Friday, December 24, 2004. Families, teens, generations of volunteers working together are all welcome to donate a few hours of their time to more than 30 social service agencies in the area.

The event will begin with a briefing and breakfast, at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit at 6735 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills. Carpools will be available to transport volunteers to the various sites. More than 30 opportunities for “mitzvot” (good deeds) are available including visiting older adults, serving holiday meals, and delivering Meals on Wheels.

Under the umbrella of Federation’s Mitzvah Month in which the Jewish community kicks off Federation’s 2005 annual fundraising Campaign, Mitzvah Day is presented to the community with special thanks to corporate partner, Ford Motor Company Fund. The event chairs are Regina Colton and John Marx.

Anticipating close to 500 volunteers this year, Marx noted how the program has consistently grown, setting record levels of participation with each passing year. “Mitzvah Day has become a Federation tradition. It’s not only an opportunity for families to get together to perform mitzvot for the community, but an all-round feel-good time.”

Colton added, “The best thing about Mitzvah Day is that it builds awareness of our community needs. For some of our volunteers, what starts as a one-time commitment can become a longstanding relationship with an agency. Volunteers are always welcome for literally hundreds of ongoing opportunities to help throughout the year.”

Volunteers are asked to sign up on Federation’s website (online registration available November 22) or via a card that many in the community will receive by mail. Federation regrets that no volunteer applications can be taken by phone. The reservation deadline is Wednesday, December 8, 2004. Volunteers will receive both confirmation and check-in time in the mail. Volunteer reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Alaine Waldshan at (248) 203-1486.