Jewish Community Helps Those In Need On Christmas
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- For hundreds of people in Baltimore this is a day to give back. Members of Baltimore's Jewish community are helping those in need.
Ron Matz has more on why so many people are doing good deeds on Christmas Day.
Christmas at the JCC takes on a whole new meaning this Mitzvah Day.
"A Mitzvah is doing good," co-chair of community Mitzvah Day, Michelle Damareck said. "It's a good opportunity to get out there and spread joy and happiness and give part of yourself to others."
More than 500 volunteers of all ages are doing just that.
"Since we're not working because nobody else is working, so we might as well give back to the community," said Katie Gansler, volunteer.
They're preparing winter care packages, including scarves and hats, toiletries and bottled water for those in need.
"The people in need should deserve the same respect and they should deserve what we have," said 10-year-old Brooke Lutwin.
Corey Hill is volunteering in memory of his mother.
"I keep her legacy of giving alive," he said.
The Grossman kids are here ever Christmas.
"It means helping people who don't have as many things as they need," Alexa Grossman , 9, said. "We help them have things they need to survive."
Fifteen-hundred care packages are being assembled here. They'll be delivered to homeless shelters in the Baltimore area.
"There's a lot of people who have a lot of time on their hands today," co-chair of community Mitzvah Day Micah Damareck said. "This is a way to bring everyone together and do good for the community... this is the ninth year and the best."
Baltimore's Jewish community is giving back and caring about others.
"To be here means helping people on a day when they don't have to worry about not having food or not having shelter or being cold," volunteer Michael Grossman, 11, said. "On a day that they should be celebrating."
Volunteers from the Jewish community are also serving holiday meals at local homeless shelters. This is the ninth annual Mitzvah Day in Baltimore.
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