By Lori Rubin, Director, Family Engagement; and Danya Shapiro, jkidphilly Specialist
In the week leading up to and on MLK day, jkidphilly hosted a number of “Little Hands Make a Big Difference” programs to honor the day, which all made an incredible impact in our community. At one program, we made snack bags — our jkids decorated and packed the bags that were subsequently donated to the New Britain Food Pantry. We also had a lovely time reading PJ library books about mitzvot (good deeds) and discussing all the places in our lives we do mitzvot. The excitement on the faces of the women volunteering at the pantry was truly moving. They were so excited to be receiving donations created and decorated by kids that would then be distributed to local kids coming to the pantry. The idea of kids making something for other kids was extremely powerful for the volunteers.
On MLK Day, jkidphilly offered two additional opportunities to make a difference. Our friends at Martins Run, a senior living community in Media, hosted us for the third year in a row! This year, we decorated flowerpots and filled them with beautiful flowers made by our jkids. Designed for kids of all ages, we made coffee filter flowers, pipe cleaner flowers, and origami flowers, which were gladly received by the residents of Martins Run. At another program, jkidphilly families brought toiletry items to donate to local families in need and jkids learned about mitzvot.
Our jkidphilly staff is always looking for new ways to help our jkids make a difference! Do you have a favorite local charity you think we could help? Let us know!
Making Paper Flowers for Seniors at Martins Run