The Social Action Committee is dedicated to helping our communities in need. We encourage you to participate in the many projects that we sponsor throughout the year.
We are always looking for new committee members, new ideas, and volunteers for our Social Action projects. E-mail [email protected] or complete the Volunteer Sign-Up Form.
August is "Build A Backpack" Month
Please join us in supporting JFS of Metrowest's terrific "Build-A-Backpack" program to help children in need to begin their new school year. It is a wonderful opportunity to take a child with you to a store to pick out a backpack for a student in kindergarten to grade 2 or a child in grades 3-5. The kids will have very clear ideas about what is cool and what is not! This is followed by a really nice event of filling the backpacks with supplies donated by individuals or various companies at two locations - Monday, August 21, 2017 from 10 am-12pm at Wellesley Public Library or on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 from 10 am-12 pm at Framingham Public Library (Main Branch). Please register so that they will have a better idea of quantity of supplies needed. Think about getting some people together, perhaps kids from religious school, people you know or perhaps this might be a chance to meet some new friends. We know that summers are so busy, but we appreciate your consideration. For more information, visit the JFS of Metrowest website.
Family Table Food Drive
Please contribute to the Family Table food drive by placing donations of Low-Sodium Vegetarian Soups and Multigrain Crackers in bins located in the CBT lobby.
Our Projects
Family Table – On-going
JF&CS Family Table is New England's largest kosher food pantry, providing healthy food on a monthly and emergency basis to individuals and families in need. Donations of Low-Sodium Vegetarian Soups and Multigrain Crackers can be placed in the donation box in the temple lobby. Also, volunteers are needed for sorting food and making deliveries, on a specific Sunday of each month. See the JF&CS distribution day schedule for details.
To sign up, please contact Lisa at Family Table by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 781.693.5593. For more information contact Rachel Seliber at [email protected].
Diaper Project – May
Donate diapers and wipes for families in need to A Place To Turn Food Pantry in Natick. Sizes requested 4, 5 and 6 are the most needed. Donation Bin is located in the temple lobby.
Early Intervention Program – May & June
Criterion Middlesex Early Intervention Program in Framingham supports families with children ages 0 to 3 who have developmental delays. We are collecting baby formula, baby biscuits, crackers, Gerber’ s Graduate Puffs, Beach Nut Fruities, (pouches of pureed fruits), Swyback Bars and rice snacks. Donation Bin is located in the temple lobby.
Family Promise – January And March
This program supports homeless families housed by Temple Shir Tikva for two weeks in January and two weeks in March by helping to provide a meal, deliver food, or shop for food and supplies. Volunteers can also stay overnight. Contact Rachel Seliber at: [email protected]
Build A Backpack – August
Parents and Grandparents shop with their children to pick out a back pack for a child of elementary school age and bring it to Jewish Family and Children's Service (JF&CS) and fill it with school supplies.
High Holiday Food Collection – September
Shopping bags are handed out at the end of the first Rosh Hashanah service and returned with your donated non perishable groceries on Yom Kippur to be distributed to four local food pantries: Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Sudbury; The Pearl Street Cupboard and Café (The United Way) Framingham; A Place to Turn in Natick, and Family Table (JF&CS in Waltham).
Honoring Our Veterans – November
Volunteer to serve at the Sudbury Senior Center for a luncheon to honor our veterans. Food has been donated by The Wayside Inn. Contact Dori Mariasis at: [email protected]
Cradles To Crayons – November and December
At Christmas / Chanukah time, through a coordinated effort with the Religious School and individual CBT members, we donate new winter clothes to children in need. For more information contact Leslie Stern [email protected].
Social Action Committee members
Bob & Tammy Weiser (Co-Chairs)
Rabbi Lisa Eiduson
Robin Berman
MarieAnne Bloom
Margaret Guyer
Dori Mariasis
Leslee Olender
Rachel Seliber
Amy Siegel
Leslie Stern