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Congregation B'nai Israel Social Action Committee 2001/2002 Rabbi Tarfon said: "You are not obligated to complete the task, but neither are you free to neglect it." Congregation B'nai Israel is dedicated to Tikun Olam - healing and repairing the world, becoming God's partners in creation to make our world a better place for us and for future generations. As this obligation is incumbent upon each of us, one of the goals of the CBI Social Action Committee is to provide information and opportunities to allow all synagogue members to participate in our programs. It is through volunteering time, effort & talent that we find a meaningful way to connect to Judaism, the CBI family & our greater community. We encourage each member to assist us with at least one project. Within this brochure are volunteer opportunities we have identified for this year - let us know which ones you will help with! Beth Elster and Sandy Stein Kol Nidre Collection for the Hungry (September) This is a USY-run program to collect food for the Families Forward food pantry in Irvine. Please bring a bag of non-perishable items to Kol Nidre or Yom Kippur services. Contact: Barbara Sherman Red Cross Blood Drives (October & March) Blood is always needed, especially this year. Donating blood is easy, safe and convenient, right here at CBI! Contact: Marla Nathan Thanksgiving Meal Donations (November) We will be collecting traditional Thanksgiving meal items to be donated through the Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter adopt-a-family program. Contact: Beth Elster Serving Christmas Meals (December) Spend Christmas day serving meals at a homeless shelter. Contact: Sandy Stein Winter Coat/Blanket drive (January) We will be collecting new and used coats and blankets for the homeless to keep them warm throughout the winter. Contact: Beth Elster Stein Book Drive (February) We will be collecting new and used books to donate to children's organizations and local shelters. Contact: Sandy Stein Pesach Meal Donations (April) We will be collecting traditional Passover meal items for Jewish families in Orange County through Jewish Family Service. Contact: Beth Elster Stein Family Mitzvah Day (May) Spend an afternoon helping in our community. Various opportunities will be available to choose from. Last year we boxed food at the Orange County food bank, cleaned house at The Shelter for the Homeless, gleaned fields and visited with seniors. Contact: Natalie Vishny Home Building in Mexico (June) Travel to Mexico for a week to build a home for a homeless family. Three or more interested families required. Contact: Natalie Vishny B'nai Mitzvah Projects Each B'nai Mitzvah is required to spend at least 10 hours performing community service. The Social Action Committee will assist in choosing projects and implementing them, as needed. If any congregant has ideas for projects, please let us know. Contacts: Beth Elster Stein Adopt-A-Social Worker CBI has adopted a social worker that will ask us periodically for specific donations. She always needs diapers and wipes. Contact: Beth Elster Stein Care Packages for U.S. Soldiers Every month we will send letters and a care package to our U.S. military stationed abroad. Items needed include stationery, pens, AA batteries, magazines, books, CDs, videos, travel games, playing cards, cookies & candy, etc…. Contact: Tammi Litke Comfort Committee - Our goal is 100% Participation! We are proud to initiate a new committee to help CBI members in need, whether due to the birth of a baby, an illness or the loss of a family member. Subcommittees have been formed by area. Contact: Pearl Gerber 2001/2002 Social Action Calendar September 26: Kol Nidre Collection for the Hungry October 22: Blood Drive November: Thanksgiving Meal Donations December 25: Serve Christmas Meals January: Winter Coat/Blanket Collection February: Book Drive March: Blood Drive April: Passover Meal Donations May 5: Family Mitzvah Day June: Home Construction in Mexico Ongoing Programs: Comfort Committee Adopt-A-Social Worker Ongoing Collections: (Please donate whenever possible) Personal Hygiene Samples (Sisterhood Program) Used Prescription Eyeglasses / Hearing Aids Diapers and Baby Wipes Care Package Items to be sent to U.S. Soldiers Congregation B'nai Israel 2111 Bryan Ave, Tustin (714) 730-9693 www.cbi18.org