Jewish Volunteers to Relieve Both Non-Jewish Employees and Local Volunteers at Non-profit Organizations/Senior Living Facilities, Enabling them to spend Christmas with their Loved Ones
WHO: JEWISHcolorado, founded in 1946 and formerly known as Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado, is the umbrella community organization focused on building and sustaining Jewish life in Colorado, Israel and around the world. Its mission is to secure, steward, and share philanthropic and human resources in support of vibrant Jewish life as well as to mobilize the community in times of need. JEWISHcolorado is a member of the Jewish Federations of North America, which is among the top ten charities on the continent. JEWISHcolorado raises and distributes funds in support of a wide variety of programs and partner organizations both locally and globally. Last year, JEWISHcolorado’s Annual Campaign raised $12.3 million and the Endowment and Planned Giving arm houses more than $60 million in long-term assets for individuals, agencies and synagogues in the community. For more information, visit www.JEWISHcolorado.org.
WHAT: The Christmas Mitzvah Project unites the Jewish community during the holiday season as hundreds of Jewish volunteers lend a hand on Christmas Day, relieving hundreds of employees at local charitable organizations and various senior living facilities so that they may spend Christmas with their loved ones.
For 21 years, the Christmas Mitzvah Project has been coordinating and providing volunteers to support various charitable organizations during the busy holiday season. This year, JEWISHcolorado is teaming up with 17 sites, throughout the metro-Denver area. More than 300 volunteers will relieve employees at these sites, allowing them to spend Christmas with loved ones. For more information, visit http://www.jewishcolorado.org/christmasmitzvahproject .
WHEN: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2016 – CHRISTMAS DAY from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Timing and shifts vary by location)
WHERE: Denver area Christmas Mitzvah sites, include (Highlighted areas are those that may present best photo/media opportunities):
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora
- Christian Living Communities, Centennial
- Christmas in the Park Program for the Homeless, Denver – After Hours program – South High School kids along with many other community members will volunteer by handing out jackets, clothes, toiletries and art supplies in Lincoln Park to those in need.
- Denver Health – Newborns in Need, Denver
- Denver VA Medical Center, Denver – Inpatient Psychiatry Unit – Volunteers will work with veterans admitted to the hospital in acute psychiatric crises, whose diagnoses range from PTSD and major depression to schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder, etc. They will engage in activities with these patients.
- Delores Project, Denver
- Family Tree, Inc. Shelter for women and children, Wheat Ridge
- Gender Identity Center of CO, Denver
- JEWISHcolorado, Denver
- Kavod Senior Life, Denver – Volunteers will get in the holiday spirit and lead Hanukkah menorah lighting, sing songs, etc.
- Littleton Adventist Hospital, Littleton
- Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, Denver – Volunteers will clean the shelter and visit/play with the cats
- Ronald McDonald House, Denver
- Shalom Cares Senior Living Home, Aurora
- Sloan’s Lake Rehabilitation Center, Denver
- Sunrise at Flatirons (senior assisted living facility), Broomfield
- Zuma Rescue Ranch, Littleton – On Christmas Day, volunteers will be helping care for the 40 rescue horses, feeding and cleaning for this provider of equine therapy, which serves as a sanctuary and place of healing for both humans and animals in the Denver area.
WHY: The concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and caring for the vulnerable are key areas of focus for JEWISHcolorado. Providing volunteer relief to JEWISHcolorado’s Christian counterparts throughout the community so that they may enjoy the holidays with their families, directly aligns with JEWISHcolorado’s mission and purpose.
The Christmas Mitzvah Project affords participants an opportunity do a mitzvah (good deed) during the busy holiday season. No special skills are required to participate in the project, only a few hours of support to donate for a good cause. Friends and family of any faith are encouraged to participate.
FOR MORE Susan Lewis, 303-766-4343 OR 303-518-7100 (cell), slewis@pairelations.com
INFO: To register to volunteer and to learn more, please visit www.jewishcolorado.org/christmasmitzvahproject.
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