MLK Days of Service with Shir Hadash
Friday, January 15, 2021 • 2 Shevat 5781
All Day for 9 Days
January 15-24, 2020
In this year when the needs are greater than ever, MLK Days of Service is the perfect opportunity to help those who need assistance. Even though we can't get together in groups, we still can commit ourselves to service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and helping others.
Below, the Social Action Committee shares numerous service projects that your household can do by themselves. While we perform these actions individually, it is a community project for Shir Hadash. Please send photos (with or without people) and descriptions of your social action efforts to mlkservice2021@gmail.com, and we will create a virtual community of Shir Hadash members performing tikkun olam -- repairing the world -- and helping others. Photos and activity descriptions are welcomed through January 24th.*
Here is a variety of service projects, with something for everyone. Feel free to do one or more of them, or perform ones that aren't listed.
Below, the Social Action Committee shares numerous service projects that your household can do by themselves. While we perform these actions individually, it is a community project for Shir Hadash. Please send photos (with or without people) and descriptions of your social action efforts to mlkservice2021@gmail.com, and we will create a virtual community of Shir Hadash members performing tikkun olam -- repairing the world -- and helping others. Photos and activity descriptions are welcomed through January 24th.*
Here is a variety of service projects, with something for everyone. Feel free to do one or more of them, or perform ones that aren't listed.
Provide food for those facing food insecurity:
Make a monetary donation to a food pantry or donate food with a contactless dropoff. Click on the organization's name for information on how to make a monetary or in-kind donation at Wheeling Food Pantry, The ARK, or Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Make a care package for nursing home residents:
With limited visitors allowed, many nursing home residents feel isolated and lonely these days. Make them a card, write a letter, draw a cheery picture, include a large print book or deck of cards to play solitaire, add hand sanitizer and/or hand cream -- the possibilities are endless. Check with your local nursing home what they are accepting before dropping off items.
Assist veterans, homeless shelters, and domestic violence shelters:
Veterans, the homeless, and domestic violence survivors always need assistance, and donations to help them are down during Covid. Visit the websites of organizations aiding them to learn how you can help at this time. It varies per organization, but welcomed items include: monetary donations; gift cards for gas, supermarkets, and pharmacies; household goods; clothing; furniture; food; toiletries, and other donations. For more information, visit the organizations' websites: Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County, Journeys The Road Home, Midwest Veterans Closet, A Safe Place, Shalva, and WINGS.
Create face coverings:
Shir Hadash mask makers have been making face coverings for cancer patients, domestic violence survivors, sexual assault advocates, and others. Contact our Social Action Chair at socialactionsh@gmail.com for details how you can get involved. Sewing skills are required.
Help animals in shelters:
Make no-sew dog toys out of t-shirts, create no-sew cat toys, donate items from the shelters' wish list, or make a monetary contribution to Heartland Animal Shelter, Orphans of the Storm, or Reach Rescue.
Make a card for children in the hospital:
Cards for Hospitalized Kids distributes cards to children in Illinois hospitals and around the country. Click here for more information.
Get involved with Project Linus and make either no-sew or sewed blankets:
Provide a child with the warmth and security a blanket offers. Blankets are distributed to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Learn more about Project Linus by clicking here. Before making blankets, contact the local chapter by clicking here and learn what types of blankets are needed at this time.
Thank healthcare workers:
Local hospitals gladly accept food donations for healthcare workers if they are delivered from a caterer or restaurant, but not homemade items. They appreciate advanced notice so deliveries can be staggered and coordinated. Some hospitals, but not all, are accepting thank-you cards and letters. Check with your local hospital how you can thank healthcare workers for working so hard and risking their lives during the pandemic.
Thank you for participating in Shir Hadash's MLK Days of Service. If you have any questions, email socialactionsh@gmail.com.
*If you choose to submit photos that include people, please know that the photos will be shared with the Shir Hadash community and could be included on our website, social media accounts, and other synagogue materials. Only images will be included; no names will be mentioned. There will be no compensation for the use of these photos. By submitting the photos, you are giving approval for Shir Hadash Synagogue to use the images in the aforementioned ways or for other purposes that Shir Hadash deems legitimate. Activity descriptions also will be shared anonymously.
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