7th Annual March Mitzvah Madness
On the road to making a difference.
March Mitzvah Madness is a month-long initiative of our JCC that focuses on giving back to our local community. The JCC staff and members come together to create programs and events that bring awareness to and raise funds for outside groups which hold a personal connection for our staff and members. As a charity ourselves, the JCC recognizes that there are many people outside of the J that also need help. The JCC Board of Directors and Staff feel it is an important part of our mission to look beyond our walls and provide this assistance. This year funds and collections benefit six designated non-profit agencies and the JCC Scholarship Fund.
Doing our part each and every day!
SPIN-A-THON
Sunday, February 26
- 9:00-10:30am
- JCC Gymnasium
- $35 donation per person required upon registration.
Join us for the 5th Annual One More Beat: Racing Towards a Cure Spin-A-Thon! Strap on your cycling shoes and get pedaling with your JFit Spin team in awareness of National Heart Month. Get ready for 90 minutes of music, movement, and making a difference. Wear red to support the cause!
Proceeds go towards the American Heart Association (AHA) and the JCC Carole Webb Memorial Fund. Attendees must be 18 or older.
If you can’t make the event but would still like to donate to the Carole Webb Fund:
- Click the donate button.
- Select “Carole Webb Memorial Fund” from the campaign dropdown menu.
KATIE'S COLLECTION
Collecting can pull tabs in support of the Ronald McDonald House.
The Ronald McDonald House accepts aluminum can tabs which are recycled for money to support parents of seriously ill hospitalized children.
How this is connected to our J: Katie Hannan, Martinsville resident and an Intern in the J-Cares program at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC. Katie began collecting can tabs while attending high school, and over the past few years, she has collected and donated over 250,000 tabs.
In addition to gathering tabs herself, Katie receives can tabs from “collector friends” all over the country and from customers at local businesses.
KITCHEN NECESSITIES COLLECTION
The Center for Great Expectations seeks to form a partnership with homeless pregnant, and/or parenting women and adolescents, men, and their children, in creating a safe place, presence, and path.
How this is connected to our J: The JCC partners with this organization, providing free summer memberships to their families.
Items needed:
- Baking Dishes
- Spoon Rests
- Meat Chopper
- Kitchen Scissors
- Baking Pans
- Cutting Boards
- Colander
- Large Spaghetti Pot
- Toaster
- Mixing Bowls
- Food Storage Set
- Nonstick Roaster and Rack Pan
- Meat Thermometer
- Refrigerator Storage Bins
- Kitchen Cabinet Storage Bins
- Measuring Cups
- Spatulas Teflon Coated Cooking Fork
- Nonstick Aluminum Frying Pans
- Strainers
- Potato Masher
- Shelf/Drawer Liners
- Mixers
- Dish Towels and Sponges
- Gift Cards: Amazon, Walmart, Shoprite
CAT FOOD & CAT SUPPLIES COLLECTION
Tabby’s Place rescues cats from hopeless situations, embracing the neediest cats regardless of age, most medical issues, or temperament. Most of the cats go on to be adopted; but those who aren’t find a loving home for life at Tabby’s place
How this is connected to our J: Our Blaustein Early Childhood Center children are participating in a pet study focusing on the Jewish Value of Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim – protecting animals.
Collecting:
- Canned Cat Food
- Dry Cat Food
- Non Clumping Clay Litter
- Cat Treats
- Cat Toys
- Gift Cards: Amazon and Chewy
PURCHASE BEAUTIFUL NOTE CARDS
Note Cards designed by Hailey are on sale at the JCC Welcome Center.
- Pack of 6 Cards: $15.00
- 2 Packs: $25.00
About Hailey: Hailey Lamca is an 18 year old young lady with a kind and caring heart. She was diagnosed at the age of 12 with a rare low grade brain tumor. As a result of her treatment, she is now living with an acquired brain injury which has caused short term memory and cognitive issues. Through it all, Hailey remains positive and optimistic and finds joy creating artwork. She volunteers weekly at Children’s Specialized Hospital, where she assisted physical therapists with their patients.
How this is connected to our J: Hailey grew up at our JCC and attended Camp Ruach each summer as a camper. She now volunteers preparing and serving camp lunches.
BAKE SALE FOR ISRAEL
Wednesday, March 22
The Matnas Ramat Eliyahu is a Jewish Community Center located in Rishon LeZion, Israel. They support underprivileged families, largely Ethopian Jews and people of all faiths.
How this is connected to our J: One of our JCC Staff has been connected with this center for many years.
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The American Friends of Meir Panim is committed to providing immediate and long-term relief to the impoverished in Israel; Feeding the hungry, supporting teens at-risk, caring for Holocaust Survivors.
How this is connected to our J: The JCC’s What’s Newish, weekly discussion group on Jewish and Israeli topics, has ties to this organization.
TOILETRY & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCT COLLECTION
Jersey Cares increases the level of meaningful volunteer engagement by creating and managing efficient, impactful projects that address critical community-identified needs.
HOME of Somerset County empowers at-risk families to achieve and maintain independence through strength-based case management services.
Safe+Sound Somerset helps survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence with compassionate, trained professional help. Their helpline is the gateway to survivor-centered services, providing safety, hope and healing from the trauma of abuse and violence.
How this is connected to our J: The JCC partners with these organizations providing free summer camp to HOME, and Safe+Sound families.
Collecting:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Body Wash
- Lotion
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Combs and brushes
- Travel-size tissues
- Chapstick
- Socks
- Underwear
- Gallon size zip-lock bags
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD COLLECTION
The Food Bank Network distributes food and provides other basic human needs to those less fortunate in Somerset County.
How this is connected to our J: Our J-Cares Adult with Disabilities volunteer every Tuesday at the Food Bank Network helping sort food and other tasks.
Saturday, April 1
During the LesMills Launch, watch our JFit Instructors do fitness challenges based on the amount of food collected.
Food Items Requested
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- Canned Meats
- Canned Tuna and Salmon
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly (no glass jars please)
- Canned or dry soups
- Canned Stews and Chili
- Canned Pasta
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Beans
- Hot and Cold Cereals
- Rice
- Cake Mixes
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- Pancake Mix
- Syrup
- Powdered Milk
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Canned Juices
- Canned Gravy
- Granulated Sugar
- Baby Food and Cereal
- Baby Formula
- Granola Bars
- Cereal Bars
- Tea Bags
- Ground Coffee
- Juice Boxes
Organizations We Are Supporting in 2023.
The Matnas Ramat Eliyahu Center