Lending a helping hand: Participants sought for Jewish Volunteer Day

Friday, November 28, 2008 | by amanda pazornik

More than 200 volunteers are expected at the second annual Jewish Volunteer Day — and organizers are looking for plenty more.

The event, a bimonthly bazaar of caring put on by Project Homeless Connect, is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. People in need can come into the arena and get an array of assistance, services and information.

Spearheaded by the S.F.-based Jewish Community Relations Council, 22 Jewish community agencies and synagogues have signed up as co-sponsors for this Project Homeless Connect event. Additional members of the Bay Area Jewish community are encouraged to take part as volunteers.

"More than ever, we need to reach out and support this sort of program that touches the lives of so many in need," said Casey Cohen, program associate with the JCRC. "It's a humbling, meaningful experience. You're not stuffing envelopes. You're looking someone in the eye and helping them directly."

Even if people can't make it to the event, they can contribute by donating unopened toiletries (shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, etc.) to make hygiene kits for the homeless, Cohen added.

All items need to be dropped off by Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation, 121 Steuart St., No. 7, San Francisco.

Jewish organizations taking part in the event, led by the JCRC, include Progressive Jewish Alliance, Jewish Family and Children's Services, and synagogues such as Congregation Sherith Israel and Congregation Emanu-El, both in San Francisco.

Emanu-El Rabbi Sydney Mintz will welcome volunteers before they disperse to various posts. An array of medical, dental, legal and other services will be offered, and many volunteers will be utilized as escorts to ensure every request for help is fulfilled.

The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium is located at 99 Grove St. (at Civic Center Plaza).

To sign up or get more information, contact Casey Cohen at (415) 977-7444 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).