Social Action Update

Social Action Committee Update - November 2011

The year has started off strongly for the Direct Services arm of the Social Action Committee. Our kick-off meeting in late October was well-attended, with many new faces. We thank you all for your interest.

Ellen Kass, Social Action Co-Chair, will once again be coordinating our Temple's Cradles to Crayons Drive. Between November 14- 18, we are asking Temple members to bring donations of new or gently used children's clothing, toys, games and books to the drop off box located at the Ashford Street building entrance. These will be donated to benefit the thousands of children across the state living in poverty, many of them homeless. We thank you in advance for your generosity.

On December 18, Sam Silverman will be organizing our Annual Coat Drive to benefit the Bristol Lodge in Waltham. Please bring your donations of gently used coats, jackets, scarves, gloves and mittens, for adults and children, to the synagogue on Sunday, December 18th. Volunteers will be parked outside of the Reisman Hall entrance to receive your generous donations to help our neighbors in need get through this cold winter.

Joani Katz will be organizing Temple Emanuel's contingent of Project Ezra volunteers. Held on December 25th each year, this annual day of service allows our counterparts celebrating Christmas to do so knowing that others will serve on that day. Details will be forthcoming regarding specific projects and venues but there are typically projects available for families with children as well as adults.

We thank Julie Chivo for her hard work of the past two years as she organized the temple's Family Table efforts, and wish her and her family all the best as they make their move to Seattle. We further thank Cathy Schumer for stepping up and agreeing to once again coordinate these efforts. Family Table, run by Jewish Family and Children's Service, is the region's only kosher food pantry, serving the needs of over 150 families. Cathy is responsible for ensuring that we meet our monthly commitment of donating 70 cans of beans and boxes of multi grain crackers. Collection boxes are at the Ashford Road entrance to the synagogue.

Temple Emanuel's annual Project Manna concert is scheduled for May 16, 2012. Penny Scharfman and Randi Eisner will be organizing this beautiful concert, made even more meaningful because it is a fundraiser for the Mass Ave. Baptist Church's hot meals program. Watch for details as the date gets closer.

Additional ideas for the upcoming year include a used book drive, bone marrow swabbing, and blood drive. Further information will be posted as available.

We would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to outgoing committee co-chair Howie Zaharoff who so ably led this committee for so many years. His energy and good deeds have left an indelible mark on all of us, and we are thrilled that he will remain active as "Committee Chair Emeritus"! Kol Hakavod, Howie.

We welcome the input and participation of all in the Temple Emanuel community, as we strive to serve.

Susan Paley and Ellen Kass, CoChairs