"A candle is a small thing. But one candle can light another. And see how its own light increases, as a candle gives its flame to the other. You are such a light." —Moshe Davis
Dear Social Justice Friends,
Hopefully you enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving, celebrating with family and friends. Our postcard team has been hard at work under the leadership of Susan Goodman and Wendy Case, sending 100’s of postcards to voters in Georgia to get out the vote for the all-important Run-Off Election. The Freedge Team, under the leadership of Erin Borras and Nate Powell continue to help stock the 24 hour Fridge and Pantry every other Tuesday. Many of the BMItzvah students are incorporating exciting Mitzvah projects in preparation for their big day. Temple Shalom is full of Mitzvah Makers and Tzedek Teachers. Please join us! Many opportunities to help our neighbors during the winter holidays are listed below.
Best wishes for a Happy Chanukah, may the lights shine bright in your home!
Marion Pollock Tzdek Newsletter Editor
JF&CS (Jewish Family & Children Services): Give a gift to a family in need this holiday season
After months of rising inflation, many parents will struggle to afford presents for their children as the holiday season approaches. The JF&CS Holiday Gift Card Drive brings joy to low-income families by empowering parents to pick out the gifts they know their children will love. With your support, JF&CS will provide gift cards for more than 500 children this year. Please click here for more information on how to donate.
Village Bank/Rotary Club Toy Drive Through December 12:
Help Newton families and kids have a happy holiday season! The Village Bank and Newton Rotary Club, in partnership with the Newton Department of Health & Human Services, are holding their holiday gift drive through December 12. Make a tax-deductible cash donation to the Rotary Club of Newton or drop off a new, unwrapped toy or gift card at any Village Bank location in Newton.
Bulk Food Delivery with Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors:
NN’s bulk food delivery program is looking for short- and long-term volunteers to join us in delivering fresh produce from local food rescue organizations to MetroWest and South Area food pantries. Help bridge that last link in the distribution chain and provide good food to so many who need it. Commitments range from once in a while to once every 4-6 weeks, or even more. Please reach out to us at newtonneighborshelping@gmail.com to volunteer or find out more.
Welcome Home Urgent Needs for Household Items:
Newton’s home goods pantry is seeking donations for new and gently used household items. To donate, go towelcomehomemass.org.
The Very Best Way to Regift: Newton Food Pantry Gift Shop:
The Newton Food Pantry provides a small assortment of new or gently used items from which the pantry customers can shop for free for a gift for a loved one. We welcome giftware for children and adults such as, but not limited to, candles, jewelry, art kits, stuffed animals, games, toys, cookbooks, or anything else you would gift a friend. We often receive many items for women and children. Please keep those items coming while also considering fun items for older teens and adults, including men.
Please do not wrap the gifts however feel free to donate extra gift, bags, wrap, ribbons etc.
Please drop goodies at 20 Fairlee Terrace in Waban (Gray house on the cul-de-sac off Fairlee Road, off Woodward Street).. Please leave things in the bins by the garage now through the end of December. Any items remaining at the end of the holiday season will be donated to Cradles to Crayons, Welcome Home, or a local donation site.
Newton Community Freedge:
The Newton Community Freedge (free fridge) is always looking for volunteers to help keep the Freedge stocked for the community! This winter, we have many open spots. Please take a look at the sign up and register to help!
The Temple Shalom team is also looking for a co-captain to cover the months of December - March. This is a communication role with a fantastic partner to share the responsabilities! If you are interested, please reach out to Erin Borras at eborras@templeshalom.org.
