Looking to engage in meaningful efforts to help those in need, but might not know where to start? Or, perhaps you worry it might be too time consuming?
Meet the Jamros/Goldfeder family—Christopher, Laurie, Sidney & Max—who have turned volunteering at TSTI into a family affair . . . .
What cause(s) are you and your family most passionate about?
Laurie: We support a few causes annually by being members, such as the Liberty Science Center, Museum of Natural History, and Turtleback Zoo. We donate money monthly to St. Jude, which has always been dear to my heart. And, we donate clothing all year, especially in the winter months. If it sits in a closet for a year, it goes. We also buy extra winter stuff to donate; it doesn’t cost that much if you buy it out of season!
How many times have you volunteered for the TSTI Saturday Soup Kitchen?
Laurie: I think we have volunteered about 6 times at the soup kitchen, before and after the pandemic.
What surprised you the most about volunteering for the Saturday Soup Kitchen?
Laurie: How easy it was! At first it seemed a little overwhelming, but once we got ourselves organized and made a plan, it took less than an hour to make it all and pack it. The drop off was extremely easy, too. One of the weeks I was beyond busy and had only prepared something the night before (like at midnight)…and it still was easy.
What is it about volunteering that you/your family find rewarding?
Laurie: The reward will come later in life. When I see my kids one day ASKING us to help someone, or give to someone, or initiate a volunteering opportunity, that will be the reward. In Judaism the highest form of Tzedakah is when the giver and receiver are both anonymous. You just give, the reward is knowing that you helped. Because one day we might need the help, and even if we don’t, we know that we helped just a tiny bit. All it takes is one health disaster with no insurance to possibly end up homeless.
Why was it important to you to instill a love of volunteering in your children?
Laurie: My parents instilled the value and love of volunteering my entire childhood as did my husband’s parents. We pass this on to the boys because the world only works if we help one another. Look outside of your life once in a while; its in desperate need of a volunteer.
Your children held a bake sale for charity during quarantine, and Max chose to give a donation to TSTI with the earnings?
Laurie: The bake sale was a happy accident. Max and Sidney wanted to have a bake sale and I said yes, but only if HALF of the money went to a charity of their choice. They picked the Temple—I didn’t even have to suggest it. I started mentioning places such as the soup kitchen, or the library, or their school, and Max blurted out “Temple!” This was in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. Lots of glove wearing and no touching. But they did it!
From Mindy Schreff, Religious School Director: We rounded up Max’s contribution of $87.50 to $100.00, then matched it with Tzedakah money collected by our students last year. We then sent $200.00 worth of supplies to Isaiah House, a shelter/food pantry in East Orange. Max’s donation allowed them to purchase much needed items to keep everyone safe. When some other people heard about this endeavor, they offered to double the donation. So, Max has another $200.00 to designate to help even more. Much thanks to Sidney and Max for being lights in a dark time!
Want to volunteer?
The TSTI Second Saturday Soup Kitchen needs volunteers to each contribute 10 complete meals (main/meat, veggie & starch) in containers we’ll provide, and cookies. The volunteers contactlessly drop-off the hearty, nutritious lunches at the Epiphany & Christ Church in Orange. Church volunteers distribute the fully-composed meals to clients who visit their food pantry.
Upcoming TSTI Second Saturday Soup Kitchen dates are Saturdays: Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 12, Mar. 12, Apr. 9, and May 14. If you are able to join this growing corp of mitzvah-doers, please reach out to [email protected].