Mission Accomplished… beCAUSE we can!!
Mitzvah Day is a hands-on day of social action where our Shaaray family works together to support charities and build stronger communities. The day is founded on the Jewish values of:
Benefits hundreds of people from our Westchester community. From the donation bags that were filled with necessities, to the organization coordinators, volunteers and participants, our congregation’s generosity, commitment and spirit were beautifully evident.
Thank you to our fabulous congregation for your participation, volunteering, donations and support!!!! This day belongs to you!!
Summary of Accomplishments:
Adopt-a-Dog– felt toys braided for shelter animals
A-Home – decorated and donated beautiful front door mats and doorknob hangers
A New Chance Animal Rescue – learned the adoption process and made fostering gift bags
Community Center of NW– decorated and stuffed Christmas stockings
Dorot– floral centerpieces constructed for meal deliveries to Westchester’s seniors
Emergency Shelter Partnership– baske sale to support Shaaray’s initiative to house and feed Westchester’s homeless.
Friends of Karen– put together Hanukkah bags and cards for children who are experiencing challenging times.
Girls Inc. – embraced this new partnership and had meaning conversation while making lava lamps
Holocaust Remembrance Committee– wrote thank you notes to a Holocaust survivor who will be visiting Shaaray – parents were introduced to age appropriate Holocaust books.
Israel Guide Dog Center –Zaro pie sales to support raising guide & companion dogs
Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center @NWH– made chocolate goodie bags for patients and caregivers at the hospital
Midnight Run– Made “sew-less” blankets to be distributed to NYC’s homeless at the next Shaaray run
Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry–collected pasta, cereal & cans of tomato sauce to fill the food pantry shelves
My Sisters’ Place– Sisterhood sponsored booth – received donations to build toiletry bags for women in need of a safe environment
Pleasantville Cottage School- teen volunteers engaged in a craft project and lunch with Edenwald students
ShulStitchers– knitted and crocheted lap blankets, scarves and hats
Hand Painted Remembrance Stones– painted stones for mourners who will visit Westchester Hills Cemetery
Thanksgiving Dinner Program– launched program to prepare and cook over 3000 meals to Westchester residents
A special thank you to our organization coordinators:
Adopt a Dog- Samara Fine / Allison Shaw/ Ilene Amiel
A-Home – Jim Evans/Eric Williamson/Sammi Leroy /Alli Leroy /Avery Schwartz/Amanda Silverman
A New Chance Animal Rescue – Cathy Hildenbrand / Candy Higgins
Community Center of NW– Dena and Barry Lempert
Dorot– Cathy Doppelt / Lauren Weisfelner
Emergency Shelter Partnership-Enid Linden / Rebecca Roban
Friends of Karen – Denise Treadwell/ Beth Friedman / Leslie Todtfeld
Girl’s Inc. – Michelle Nicholas / Monette Hamilton
Holocaust Remembrance Committee– Lori Laub
Israel Guide Dog Center-Stu Zaro/Cory Karpf /Allyson DeLorenzo Reuben
/Beth Nevins
Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center @ NW Hospital – Jill Gottlieb
Midnight Run – Sharon Reiner
Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry– Joyce Greenhaus / Susan Weill
My Sister’s Place – Jill Seraita
Pleasantville Cottage School– Bonnie Lowenstein / Jessica Herrmann
Hand Painted Remembrance Stones-Sandie Pagano / Meredith Byrne
Shaaray Religious School-Liz Marlowe / Lara Monasch
Shaaray Staff – Jill Berkowitz, Cheryl Rina, Eve Spence, Maritza, Nancy, Ralph
ShulStitchers – Karen Newman
Thanksgiving Dinner Program – Richard Leroy / Gary Cohn
ToaSTY Board
Welcome – Harriett Zeller, Karen Spiegel
Floaters – Jill Overland, Cara Diamond, Lisa Schwartz
Thank you,
Wendi Silverman and Stacey Simensky
Mitzvah Day Mission: To engage, educate and inspire congregants to participate in social action through exposure to various charitable organizations and to reduce hardship and poverty, help our environment and to bring a little joy -hands on- to our community.