JCC Campers took a tour and volunteered at the Community Food Bank to support the Federation summer food drive project and to learn more about the growing challenges of hunger in our community. The 2nd annual “It’s a Mitzvah” food drive, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties, is in full swing and will culminate on Monday, Aug 9 at the Katz JCC with an all-volunteer event. All the non-perishable items collected from the food drive bins will be packed and placed on trucks and vans and delivered to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City and the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry.

In addition, other volunteers will be making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. Among our volunteers will be members of Boy Scout Troop #275 and Katz JCC campers.

Why are we doing this? What is a mitzvah? A mitzvah is a kindness done without regard for recognition. It is done because there is a need by a person or group that another person or group may help alleviate or completely eradicate. The need we are addressing is HUNGER and while our efforts will not completely rid our community of this problem, they will help many community members to stave the hunger pangs for several days and will help the area facilities to feed many mouths. As Jews we are instructed to alleviate hunger.

What can you do? Please visit one of the food drive bins at a location listed below and donate a non-perishable item by Aug. 8. Or send a check or drop off a monetary donation to Michele Musto at the Jewish Federation, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate, NJ 08402. No amount is too small.
Bins are located at:
Margate: Body Architects, Kazuko Salon, Katz JCC, Temple Emeth Shalom, Beth
El Synagogue
Brigantine: Temple Beth Shalom
Northfield: Congregation Beth Israel
Ventnor: Congregation Beth Judah
Somers Point: Somers Pt. Herbal Nutrition
Offshore: Bon Ton Blinds and Interiors, Cape Bank and Retro Fitness
If you have any questions contact Michele at michele@onejcom.org or 822-4404.