Mitzvah Day volunteersA record number of people participated in service projects

Record number of volunteers participate in Mitzvah Day

More than 1,200 people participated in a variety of activities at 100 sites in the region for the annual Mitzvah Day.

January 9, 2018, 10:59 am 0 Edit

At Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh, the enthusiasm of Mitzvah Day volunteers was apparent as kids assembled Caitlin’s Smiles craft kits that will be donated to children in local hospitals. Caitlin’s Smiles helps young people who face life-threatening illnesses. (Photo by Josh Franzos)

For 17 years, Pittsburgh’s Jewish community has turned out in force in late December to help neighbors and others in need by doing good deeds on Mitzvah Day. This year’s Mitzvah Day, organized by the Jewish Federation Volunteer Center, took place Sunday and Monday, Dec. 24 and 25.

A record number of volunteers, more than 1,200, participated in a variety of activities at 110 sites in Pittsburgh and around the region.

At Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Squirrel Hill, the activity was bingo, and many connections were intergenerational. (Photo by Josh Franzos)

Mitzvah Day volunteers worked at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh with Pittsburgh nonprofit Beverly’s Birthdays to prepare birthday bags that will be distributed to children experiencing homelessness or need. JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry will distribute the bags. (Photo by Josh Franzos)

At Brother’s Brother Foundation in the Manchester neighborhood, Mitzvah Day volunteers sorted through donated medical supplies destined for nonprofit clinics in need worldwide. (Photo by Josh Franzos)

At Riverview Towers in Squirrel Hill, a salad served was an opportunity for human connection between a Jewish Federation Volunteer Center volunteer and a Riverview resident. (Photo by Josh Franzos)

At the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, adults and kids worked together to create “blessing bags,” bags filled with items useful for individuals in need. PJ Library, which sends free books celebrating Jewish values to families with young children, collected the items for the bags. (Photo by Josh Franzos)