Below, you’ll find information about current and upcoming direct-service and social action opportunities in our community. If you’re interested in joining our advocacy and social justice efforts at the state or national level, please visit our Tzedek: Social Justice & Advocacy page here.
Have any questions? Contact Karyn Boosin Leit for more information or assistance.
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK
Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges (IFPO)
The Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, Inc. (IFPO) is a volunteer-powered, supplemental food pantry that helps meet the essential human needs of residents of Orange, East Orange, and West Orange, New Jersey, with dignity and respect.
Originally established as a collaboration among four faith-based congregations in Essex County: Congregation Beth El, Christ Church of Short Hills, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, and Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, the IFPO has grown to include dedicated volunteers from local schools, other community groups, and many generous individuals. The IFPO distributes food and other essentials on Wednesday mornings, except for the first Wednesday of each month when it’s closed. Currently, the pantry serves approximately 670 neighbors and their families each day at its warehouse and distribution center located at 357 South Jefferson Street in Orange, just a 5-minute drive from TSTI!
In addition to shelf-stable food, the IFPO provides fresh produce, milk, eggs, diapers, toiletries, menstrual care products, and other essentials. They prioritize healthy items and often purchase them to ensure all clients have access. Monthly, they host organizations that help clients understand and access benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and health insurance. The IFPO also partners with healthcare providers for on-site screenings.
Volunteers are needed to staff the food pantry on Monday and Wednesday mornings. On Monday mornings, volunteers pack groceries or other supplies and perform other pantry prep tasks, including breaking down boxes for recycling. On Wednesdays, volunteers are needed for distribution activities such as loading grocery bags and produce into vehicles, re-packing groceries into clients’ reusable bags, or offering food items at our walk-up stations. Portions of our distributions are housed indoors while others remain outdoors, regardless of the weather. We assist clients who arrive on foot both inside our warehouse and out on our parking lot plaza. We also offer a drive-up line for clients coming in vehicles.
Opportunities may be offered throughout the year to help in other ways, such as participating in food packing events, sorting coat donations, and helping to prepare for the Thanksgiving distribution.
Due to the nature of its space and work, all volunteers must be at least high school age. To ensure the proper complement of needed volunteers, the IFPO uses a sign-up system. For more information, please visit their website. You can also send an email to Karyn Boosin Leit to sign up for the IFPO newsletter and receive information about volunteer opportunities.
TSTI Second Saturday Soup Kitchen
A wonderful and rewarding tikkun olam activity for families! Help make a positive difference for our neighbors by volunteering to contribute 10 complete meals, homemade or store-bought. You’ll drop-off the nutritious lunches at the Epiphany & Christ Church in Orange. Church volunteers will distribute the meals to clients who visit their food pantry. Additional details can be found here.
Upcoming Second Saturday Soup Kitchen dates include:
- Remaining 2025 dates: September 13, October 11, November 8, and December 13
- 2026 dates: January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 19, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, and December 12
Want to join our contact list or have questions? Email the soup kitchen team.
Ongoing Drive: Clothing and Small Household Goods
Epiphany and Christ Church, where the TSTI Second Saturday Soup Kitchen meals are served, is continuously seeking IN-SEASON donations of gently-used coats, clothing, and shoes for children and adults, as well as small household items (pots and pans, housewares, bed linens, and small appliances, such as toasters or coffeemakers). Please, no furniture, or anything big and bulky. These items will be distributed at the Church’s Saturday food pantry.
DROP OFF LOCATION:
Church of Epiphany and Christ Church
105 Main Street, Orange
(Enter the building at the back of the parking lot into Parish Hall.)
DROP-OFF TIMES:
Saturdays, 9 am-1:30 pm
Questions? Call Kerin at 973-609-0203.
Giving Back to TSTI
There are also opportunities to give back to TSTI directly through service to the Temple. Whether you’d like to organize the Blood Drive, volunteer to usher for holidays, or help plan adult learning opportunities, it’s a great way to meet new people and give back at the same time. Contact Beth Blackman to learn more.