by Lauryn Smith
April 3rd marked the 15th annual Good Deeds Day, an International Day of Service for people who are dedicated to doing good. Each year, 1.5 million volunteers from 108 countries join the global movement to participate in meaningful service and prove that anyone can make a difference. Here at Keshet, we believe it’s important to give back to our community. In Chicago, JUF extends Good Deeds Day to an entire week! Throughout this past week, our participants within all our programming have been engaging in a variety of service projects that directly impact our local community. We are thrilled to share the opportunities they’ve been doing to help make a difference and #DoGood.
MY Life
Our MY Life residents were eager to jump at the chance to help those in need. On Good Deeds Day, they headed over to Cradles to Crayons to help put together children’s clothing packets for those in need across Chicagoland. The following Sunday they will be delivering Passover meal boxes across the North Shore with Maot Chitim, ensuring that everyone can celebrate the holidays properly.
Day School
Elementary and middle school students and their families collected food and goods for the Vernon Township Food Drive. Students sorted, loaded and delivered the items to the food pantry.
High School
High school students collected food and hygiene products for the Vernon Township Food Pantry. Some students also practiced skills by purchasing items at local stores as well. Students sorted the items and delivered them.
Sunday School
Keshet Sunday School worked on a beautiful flower drawing accompanied with a variety of care items that will be distributed to Holocaust survivors across the United States. These packages hope to form an uplifting connection point between survivors and the larger community.
After School and Recreation Programs
Our Keshet after school programs came together to film a thank you video for staff at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Our participants were pleased to showcase their gratitude for those who work tirelessly and risk their lives for the health and safety of our community.
Social Opportunities and Adult Recreation (SOAR)
Our SOAR participants created birthday cards for older adults that are served by CJE SeniorLife program affiliated with JUF. They also helped sweep and pick up trash at a community clean-up in North Lawndale.
GADOL
Our adults participated in so many great deeds this year! They also made a similar video thanking our health care workers over at Mt. Sinai Hospital. In addition, they make cards for refugees as well as decorated duffle bags for children who are in the foster care system.
Thank you to all of our participants who engaged in meaningful community service throughout the week of Good Deeds Day. We are so proud of the work that Keshet does to help make a difference in our community and look forward to participating in future service opportunities throughout the rest of the year.
