Social Action

April Social Action Update

Did you know… that Beth Shalom has a Miztvot Committee? The committee is made up of many volunteers to serve the needs of our community. Unfortunately, the pandemic has limited our volunteers’ availability at this time. Our volunteers provide transportation services for shopping and medical appointments, deliver Shabbat and Holiday candles to patients at Glenbrook Hospital, and serve as greeters at Shabbat and Holiday services. If you need assistance or would like to volunteer, please contact our MC chairperson, Fern Roseman at 847-564-9266.

Our committee continues to offer support to the Northfield Township Food Pantry, The ARK, the PADS shelter, and many more needy organizations. Here are a few highlights:

We are collecting brown paper bags (new or undamaged) for the Vernon Township Food Pantry. Jill Olefsky is coordinating this program. She is willing to come to your home or they can be dropped off at CBS. Jill can be contacted through email, jolefsky@aol.com, or phone, 847-272-1758. If you are willing to include 1-3 UNEXPIRED items for the Northfield Township Food Pantry, she will make sure these items are delivered. That way we will help both food pantries (Northfield does not accept bags) at the same time.

The Northfield Township Food Pantry has seen its client base more than double in six months. The Pantry needs our help. Please drop off UNEXPIRED food items on the cart located at the front door of CBS. Checks (made out to the NTFP) and gift card donations can be mailed to Fern Roseman, 2415 Auburn Lane, Northbrook, Il. 60062 who will deliver them to the Northfield Township Food Pantry. You can also contact Fern at 847-564-9266. This is our community. Help us improve the lives of those in need.

Now that many adults have started receiving their COVID vaccines, and may be feeling more comfortable about resuming normal activities, it is a great time to volunteer for The ARK shopping program. Volunteers shop for groceries and deliver them to an ARK client in the area. We try to have enough volunteers so that each will shop 3-4 times per year. Shoppers are reimbursed from the Gold Family Sabbath Fund at CBS. For more information, contact Merrill Medansky at merrill.medansky@gmail.com.

Are you familiar with the Kids Wellness Initiative (Kiwi Kids)? KiwiKids is an equal opportunity provider serving more than 37,000 free meals daily to children (ages 1-18) who are not receiving meals from schools or other sites) in Illinois and a few other states. There are no income eligibility requirements or location restrictions to receive free meals. To sign up to receive services text JOIN to (833)563-0059. If you are interested in supporting this wonderful organization, you can contact our Chicago based chapter. The phone number is 773-765-7997.

PADS continues to provide housing and food for the homeless. Guests will continue to stay in hotels through the winter season and meals are provided. CBS members have been generously supporting them by providing donations of needed items and monies to help offset the costs. For more info contact Sara Weinstein at slo155@aol.com.

Do you have a social action project you would like highlighted in my column? Do you have a project you are interested in starting? There is always room for more members on our committee. Please do not hesitate to contact me at SocialActionVP@BethShalomNB.org.

Bob Spector Social Action VP