Homeless Solutions: Volunteers Needed

for Children’s Project

Our section is looking for volunteers to help at Homeless Solutions in Morris Township. Each month children who live in the program’s transitional housing gather for a one-hour reading program (7–8 p.m., usually on a Tuesday night). They read an age-appropriate book and then do an arts-and-crafts project based on the story. The children love spending time with the program volunteers and are excited that the reading program will continue through 2010–2011. That is where you come in . . .

            We need teenagers and adults to help the children with their arts and crafts, lending a lap to sit on and a smile. The children range in age from 3 to 14. The program runs once a month and we’re hoping that enough volunteers come forward so that volunteers have some flexibility in the months they choose. Please share some of your time with these children. The experience is wonderful!

            For more information or to sign up, contact Kim Kramer Ganz at 973-267-4119 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Food for Hunger Programs

Morristown Community Soup Kitchen - Twice yearly, members of our section volunteer to cook and serve lunch to community guests at The Church of the Redeemer in Morristown, NJ. For many, it is the only warm meal they eat that day. The section regularily collects non-perishable groceries for delivery to the Interfaith and Kosher Food Pantries in the community, providing families who need emergency supplies to enable them to prepare home-cooked meals during lean periods.

Bone Marrow Donor Drives

Drives are conducted to help find genetically compatible, living marrow donors for those suffering from life threatening blood diseases.

Home Repair Mitzvah Project

Through our Home Repair Mitzvah Project, we help low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners, who are unable—either physically or financially—to maintain their homes. We have assisted these people by bringing in contractors to repair faulty electrical wiring and plumbing, as well as doing spackling and flooring work.

Feelie Hearts for Grieving Children

Through intergenerational sewing circles, and at home, we make small, soft, stuffed fleece hearts, called “Feelie Hearts,” for grieving children both in the United States and in Israel. More than 2,000 of these hearts have been sent out since 9/11, and they bring comfort to little ones who carry them to school and keep them under the pillow at night. This project has also inspired other organizations, both within the NCJW family and further afield, to sew these hearts and give them away with heartfelt good wishes. The latest batches have gone to the littlest victims of Hurrican Katrina.

Community Beautification Projects

The section has worked with several not-for-profits including the Morris Land Conservancy working to restore local and national parks, historic landmarks and other properties in Morris County. Our volunteers have spent countless hours painting and repairing fences, clearing brush, planting, weeding and working on other beautification projects.

Homeless Solutions

A group of homeless families working toward self sufficiency are treated to a dinner cooked by NCJW West Morris Volunteers. The food is donated by the Columbian Club.

Knitters’ Alert:

Knit Scarves & Hats for Israeli Soldiers (Non-Knitters, too!) With winter fast approaching, Israeli soldiers are on the lookout for all-black scarves and hats (black’s the best camouflage at night). If you’d like to knit a black scarf or hat for an Israeli soldier—certainly a great mitzvah—contact Belle Schwartz (4 Laverty Court, Succasunna; 973–927–1137; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), who arranges to send them to Israel on a regular basis. You can also drop them off at the main reception desk at the JCC in Whippany, with Belle’s name on the bag, since she works there. For those among us who are knitting-challenged, there’s another way you can help: Pick up black fleece (which doesn’t ravel when it’s cut), and cut it into a long rectangular (scarf) shape, then cut some fringes at the ends. A snap! Thank you for your concern