Mitzvah Projects

Joshua’s Heart Foundation
Contact: Claudia Mclean (305) 788-8295 joshuasheart@gmail.com 
About: “Joshua’s Heart Foundation (JHF) was founded in 2005 in Miami, Florida by Joshua when he was four and a half years old and is dedicated to the fight against global hunger and poverty. JHF is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit youth run organization, which empowers needy people to improve their quality of life by providing necessities like groceries and personal items. We also effectively engage and educate young people in committing to fight hunger and poverty on a global basis.”
Volunteer Work: Youth serve as members of the “board of directors” for the organization, representing the foundation at events and guiding the younger volunteers. Youth also serve as Elves helping Joshua’s Heart expand into new locations. Responsibilities include creating fundraisers, participating in food and toy distribution and educating their peers about Joshua’s Heart and its mission to end hunger. 
 

Deering Estate
Contact: Vanessa Trujillo 305-235-1668 ext. 241
About: “The Deering Estate provides a beautiful, natural setting for a variety of experiences. Enjoy a peaceful visit, view one of our many inspiring art and history exhibits, tour the historic homes, pack a picnic, visit one of our artist in resident studios, or simply take a walk along the boat basin.”
Volunteer Work: Opportunities range from professional services to hands-on event assistance.

Jewish Community Services of South Florida
Contact: Fill out this form
About: “Since 1920, Jewish Community Services of South Florida has remained true to its original mission of providing exemplary social services through compassionate and comprehensive programs that help people stay healthy and productive. By partnering with our funding agencies, sister organizations and local leaders, JCS continuously strengthens and solidifies its outreach and its impact.”
Volunteer Work: “Add meaning to your milestone and share your special day with the JCS Kosher Food Bank! Let us help you get started! Email us with your Name, Date of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Email, Phone Number & the Name of your synagogue so we can get in touch with you!”

Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library
Contact: 305.375.4776
About: “The Friends was incorporated in 1974 as a non-profit organization seeking to create support for the then-emerging county library system. The founders were six writers, grounded in the philosophy of community involvement, who wanted to focus their attention on the growing library system’s future. Among them were Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Helen Muir, Douglas Fairbairn, Mae Knight Clark, Pamela Johnson and Nixon Smiley. Today, the Friends continue to play an important role dedicated to the enhancement of the Library’s services and programs.” Volunteer Work: Volunteers will help with social media, special events, and office assistance.

Habitat for Humanity
Contact: Jackie Llerna (305) 634-3628 ext. 218
About: “Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the United States and in more than 70 countries around the world. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward our vision by building strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home.”
Volunteer Work: “Younger generations have always inspired the rest of us to better our world. That kind of idealism can be infectious, and when paired with tangible service, real change can occur. Our Youth Programs are the intersection of aspiration and action.”

Feeding South Florida
Contact: Ruth Bonet 954.518.1818 x1824
About: “Feeding South Florida is the largest, most efficient food bank serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. More than 98% of all donations are put back into the community.”
Volunteer Work: “When arriving at the warehouse, you will proceed to the volunteer room where you will check-in. Here, we will provide you with an overview of Feeding South Florida and how to sort. Then, you will be escorted to the sort area for a rewarding and fun experience! Once sort is completed, we ensure the space is ready for the next group. Finally, we bring you back to the volunteer room and provide you with the number of pounds and meals you helped provide to our families in need of food assistance.”

Hispanic Unity of Florida – Under 16 must be in groups; call Denisse to discuss
Contact: Denisse (954) 964-8884 ext. 276
About: “Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF) is a non-profit founded 36 years ago by community leaders to ease the acculturation transition for newcomers from other nations. Today, HUF provides assistance through 12 programs and 30+ services in four languages to South Florida's diverse community. HUF, an UnidosUS Affiliate, is one of South Florida’s largest agencies dedicated to the immigrant population, providing them with the tools they need to build a new life. In 2017, the agency served more than 18,000 children and families. HUF offers assistance at two main office locations and provides extended services at 50+ outreach locations—including citizenship services at libraries, free tax preparation at mobile sites, and education services at public schools, among others.”

Florida Immigrant Coalition
Contact: Grace Toapanta (305) 571-7254
About: “The Florida Immigrant Coalition is a statewide alliance of more than 62 member organizations, including farmworkers, students, service providers, grassroots organizations and legal advocates, who come together for the fair treatment of all people, including immigrants. We accomplish our mission through coordination of immigrant organizations and community education, organizing and advocacy.”
Volunteer Work: “Get involved in our mission to amplify the power of immigrant communities and impact the root causes of inequality, while defending and protecting basic human rights, including the right to live without fear. We'll be in touch with updates about our programs and campaigns. Let's work together for the fair treatment of all people.”

For the Whole Family
Mazon – Third Monday of every month
Contact: Linda and Frederic Friedman (fman1@aol.com)
About: Mazon is a group of volunteers whose sole mission is to provide, prepare, and serve a monthly wholesome dinner to the homeless residents of the Chapman Partnership. We look forward to welcoming you to join more than forty of our members who already experience camaraderie and satisfaction as we strive to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Ronald McDonald House
Contact: Suzanne Meltzer (srmeltzer@gmail.com)
About: The Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida believe that when you change a child’s life, you change a family’s life, which can change a community and ultimately, the world. Your service will help further this vision as we spend the day making crafts, playing games, performing magic, preparing food, and connecting with the families at the Ronald McDonald House while their children seek treatment for life-threatening illnesses.

Keeping It Clean! Family Friendly Beach Clean Ups
Contact: Rachel Unger (ungerita@yahoo.org)
About: Join us for a series of family-friendly beach clean-ups. Get ready to keep Miami Beach litter free and help keep harmful plastic and other trash from ending up in our ocean. We will connect with nature by being outside and working together as a community to improve the environment. This will allow your family to gain a sense of responsibility about their part in keeping our environment clean. L’dor v’dor (from generation to generation).

Blessings in a Backpack (TBSIS Foundation Level Families)
Contact: Tiffany Hurwitz (tiffanymhurwitz@gmail.com)
About: Join our Temple Beth Sholom Innovative School (TBSIS) families as we sort donated food and pack “backpacks” for elementary school children who qualify for free or reduced lunches at North Beach and Fienberg-Fisher elementary schools. These children often don't have enough food to eat on the weekends or during school breaks, so the backpacks will help supplement. All backpacks will be assembled on Saturdays following Tot Shabbat and delivered the next Monday.