Volunteer  Activities

Does your son or daughter need to do volunteer service as part of becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Call us and we can give you some ideas, connect you to organizations, or set up something here in our own community.

This wonderful program has been running in the Jewish Community for over 40 years! Founded by Sylvia Berkelhammer and Derrick Davis, volunteers in the Jewish community cover various staff and volunteer positions at Moses Cone and Wesley Long Hospitals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so those individuals can be home with their families. More than 100 volunteers serve throughout the hospitals.

Would you like to visit an older adult who is isolated? Without the stimulation that social interaction and friendship provide, an isolated elder can experience poor health, a lack of strength and energy, depression, and other emotional, and mental health problems. Visits from our friendly volunteers can help change by providing socialization and a caring relationship.

Help an older adult with their transportation needs. After a careful screening, volunteers can be approved to provide rides to those who need this assistance when the JFS van is not available.

For two decades each spring, Jewish Family Services, Temple Emanuel, and Beth David Synagogue have collaborated to organize a day of service called “Mitzvah Day”. In partnership with organizations as the SPCA, Victoria’s House, the International Resource Center, Backpack Beginnings, Wesley Long, Operation Bedroll, Simple Gesture, and more, there is something for everyone. Or, participants can choose the “Create-Your-Own Mitzvah” option, and create their own mitzvah opportunities.

This programs brings people of all ages together to crochet “plarn”, yarn created from plastic bags, into bedrolls that those who are homeless can sleep on. Save your plastic bags and join us to learn how to do this. Watch for trainings throughout the year.

Over 100 guests participate every year and volunteers play a huge role in making our annual Senior Rosh Hashanah and Passover Luncheons successful. Help set up, help serve, help add to the festivities! Our presence is important.

Maintaining The David D. Frazier Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services is a community effort. There are many opportunities for volunteers and community groups to get involved. Weighing, sorting, shelving, and bagging are some of the many activities help that you and your family can do. Children love working in the pantry — and we are happy to include them.