The Mitzvah Mania projects that have been developed so far are featured below.  For more information:

Ø      Go to www.jewishphilly.org/mitzvahmania throughout the spring and summer for updated information.  Online registration for projects will officially begin August 1, 2009. 

Ø      E-mail us at: mitzvahmania@jfgp.org 

Ø      Call the hotline at: 215-832-0564

Feed a Friend

• Blizzard Bags – Help assemble emergency bags for low-income households that include food, flashlight, batteries, toiletries and other necessities.
• Breakfast Bags – JCC Klein Branch – Come assemble breakfast bags for seniors in our community.  All packages will be given to the Mitzvah Food Project
• Food Sorting – SHARE Warehouse in Hunting Park – During the High Holidays, the Jewish community helped collect tens of thousands of pounds of canned food.  Help us sort and package the goods that will help the Mitzvah Food Project.
• Souper Bowl – Various Sites – Work with your group to help make pints of soup to be delivered on Mitzvah Mania
• Thanksgiving Baskets – JCC Klein Branch - Thanksgiving is soon!  Help brighten someone’s holiday by helping to assemble Thanksgiving baskets.

Winterization/Home Repair

Various Sites

As winter approaches, help us winterize low-income households throughout the area.  You will be helping a neighbor and the environment by making homes more energy efficient thus reducing energy bills.  Activities include:

ü      Change batteries in smoke detectors

ü      Install smoke detectors

ü      Change heating filters

ü      Shut of valves to outdoor hoses

ü      Use foam insulation to fill in gaps in the basement

ü      Caulk windows and doors especially in basements

ü      Check dampers

ü      Check Hot Water Heater Temp set to 110 degrees and insulate if possible

ü      Close vents in unused rooms

ü      Seal leaky duct work

ü      Install radiator reflectors and bleed radiators

ü      Switch to compact fluorescent lamps

This year we are only accepting group registration for this project.  Groups must register with Lisa Coben at 215-641-9194.

Health

Jewish Federation will be working with Albert Einstein Health Network to provide flu shots for seniors and children at the JCC Klein Branch.  Volunteers will help distribute information and work with recipients to sign forms.  AEHN doctors and nurses will administer the shots.

Tikkun Olam

Come to Morris Park in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia and literally help repair the world by:

• Controlling and removing exotic invasive plants and replacing them with species native to Philadelphia County.
• Increasing the density and diversity of native plants in riparian zones, forests and other areas.
• Converting mown lawn to meadows where the lawn is not currently used for active recreation.
• Managing meadows, including periodic mowing to control tree growth.
• Constructing new and restoring/expanding existing wetlands.
• Removing or modifying existing dams.
• Restoring eroded/degraded stream channels and stabilizing stream banks using bioengineering techniques.
• Repairing and stabilizing erosion gullies on forested slopes.
• Constructing diversions, grassed waterways, infiltration trenches and filter strips to control storm flow from impervious services and mown areas.
• Controlling access to reduce trash dumping and damage by vehicles

Adopt a Family

• Adopt a family and buy presents for Hanukkah.  We will wrap them and give them to the JCC Klein’s Heart to Heart program during Mitzvah Mania.

Health/Wellness

• Albert Einstein Healthcare Network will be providing free flu shots to seniors and other vulnerable populations.

New Winter Clothing Collection

Help low-income families prepare for winter by donating new winter coats, gloves, hats, scarves and boots.  Warm your heart and their lives!