Students from Florida Buy Groceries for Families in Borough Park

Rabbi Kaufman of Borough Park thanking and speaking to the students in front of the JCC of Borough Park.

The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes of the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School of Jacksonville, Florida take a field trip each year and this year it was New York City. The classes often participate in mitzvah projects throughout the year by buying groceries for struggling families in their community. During their visit in Borough Park, a heavily concentrated Jewish area in Brooklyn, they wanted to once again complete another Mitzvah Project and help provide food for families. With the help of the JCC of Borough Park, they were able to shop for two specific families. The students began shopping in the neighborhood and spent over $500 on groceries and household items. They then delivered the items to the JCC of Borough Park where the director, Rabbi Kauffman greeted and thanked them for their wonderful mitzvah. Because these students took two hours of their vacation and a little money from their spending money to help others, two struggling families out there can worry a little bit less this month about providing for their families. Thank you again to the middle school classes of Martin J. Gottlieb Day School for their generous support. We hope that your NYC trip was not only a fun experience, but also a meaningful one.

Volunteer at our Children's Festival in Starrett City - Sunday May 4th

We would love to have volunteers help out at our children's festival hosted by the Canarsie JCC. Volunteers will help with setting up and running the festival. There will be two shifts available; 1-3pm and 3-5pm. The festival will be held at 671 Louisiana Avenue in Starrett City on Sunday May 4th. For more information on how to get involved, please contact Ericka at (212)453-9675 or ebuyco@metcouncil.org

Potatoes & Onions for Passover

Shana Horn of Queens wanted to help her community after learning about Met Council and the Jewish poor. She decided to take initiative and work with her school, Bais Yaakov of Queens, in collecting food for Passover. The food drive took place from April 7-11th and over 200 pounds of potatoes and 100 pounds of onions were collected. The food was then distributed to families in Boro Park of Brooklyn. Thank you Shana Horn and students of Bais Yaakov of Queens for their help during this years Passover.

A Springful Sunday Brunch

Volunteers from Temple Emanu-el serving food to residents

Volunteers from Temple Emanu-el serving food to residents

Charles Stam, member of Temple Emanu-el, putting together Passover packages

Passover Packages made by congregants of Temple Emanu-el

Residents of one of our Manhattan housing sites enjoyed a beautiful Sunday brunch that was sponsored by Temple Emanu-el, a reform Temple located on the upper east side. The residents were able to enjoy each other’s company while also meeting new friends from the temple. Not only did the congregants provide the food, but they also gave each resident a package which included Passover kosher food, stationary, and postage stamps. Thanks again to Temple Emanu-el for hosting this brunch and for their continuous work and service to Met Council.

An 11th Birthday Celebration of Volunteer Service

Leilah's guests decorated wine glasses that were later given to residents of our low income housing sites.

Instead of birthday gifts, Leilah asked her guests to bring in kosher food to be donated to Met Council.

Leilah Rozen of NYC celebrated her 11th birthday this past Sunday in such a unique and giving way. Rather than having a birthday party for her and her friends, she decided to host a volunteer project. She requested that instead of her friends bringing birthday gifts for her, she asked if they would bring $10 worth of kosher food. With over 25 of her classmates attending, they collected lots of pasta, tuna, and other non perishable items and were able to make 30 food packages. Along with the food, the students also made cards to go along with the food packages. In addition, the students each decorated two wine glasses, one for themselves, and one to be donated to Met Council. We hope the experience was not only fun, but also a learning experience for the children. Thank you to Suzan Rosen, mother of Leilah, who worked with Met Council in coordinating the event, and also another special thank you to Leilah for thinking of those who are in need on her birthday.

What is Your Talent?

Met Council appreciates all volunteers, especially those who donate their talent! Paul Gati, a NY musician, volunteered his time with Met Council by playing his violin for our clients. Residents of one of our Manhattan housing sites enjoyed the melodies as Gati played the violin for individual tables. We look forward to working with Gati in the future and hope to recruit more volunteers to share their talents. If you are interested in Gati's work please contact him at (718)-699-7993