Tikkun Olam: How Did We Help in 5776?
Don’t forget to bring your Pushke to Ruach Chayim Shabbat Services (check the calendar to find now when’s the next one!). All funds collected will be dispersed to various charities outside of BCC.
In the past year, the BCC community has generously contributed tzedakah, in the form of spare change amounting to $2265. The Tzedakah Council took all the coins and made donations, on behalf of the congregation, to seven nonprofit organizations offering, in a variety of ways, a helping hand to those in need. This year our collective efforts made the following tzedakah donations possible:
Equality Florida Institute, The Pulse Victim Fund: $500
Our BCC donation went directly to the victims’ families and survivors of the Orlando gay bar massacre for funeral and medical expenses.
Sova: $400
Much more than a food pantry, SOVA, which in Hebrew means “satisfy hunger,” provides free groceries and an array of supportive services to over 9,000 individuals of all ages, ethnicities, and religions each month. Our donation was for Pesach related food.
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Syrian Refugees: $400
Our donation helped supply refugees and relief workers with medical and other life-sustaining supplies.
Ghetto Film Project: $325
This NY-based organization, with a branch in LA, provides at-risk high school students a free summer and weekend program learning how to produce short films and develop an extensive range of production skills.
Heffier Project International: $240
This agency works worldwide helping families lift themselves out of poverty. Our donation provided one family with two goats and the training to get milk from the animals and use the surplus to sell.
Mobile Clinic Project of UCLA: $200
UCLA project, based in West Hollywood, designed to improve health outcomes for homeless people. Our donation will help stock the clinic with six stethoscopes.
Durable Equipment Aid Society: $200
This Tarzana based organization lends medical equipment to people lacking the financial resources to purchase canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
What You Can Do With Your Spare Change The semi-annual BCC coin drive is in progress now thru October 28. In this next cycle, the Tzedakah Council will donate to charities working toward building bridges of understanding to prevent and mitigate violence against individuals.
If you are inclined to part with spare change, the Tzedakah Council invites you to bring your coin filled pushke to any of the BCC High Holiday Services at Temple Isaiah or drop it off at the BCC office the next time you come to shul.
If you would like to get notified on future donations projects please let us know in a comment below.
L’shanah tovah tikkateyvu v’tichatemu.
This article first appeared in G’vanim, September/October 2016 issue.
