In keeping with Judaism’s teachings of Tikkun Olam, Mitzvahpalooza is a day for the whole family to come together, lending their time, energy and compassion to work on projects that improve the lives of those in need in the greater Austin area. Religious School families will gather together on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day together and honor the work done by the great civil rights leader by lending our time, energy and compassion to work on different mitzvah projects to help those in need in our Austin community. This exciting event will feature hands-on mitzvah projects for Temple family members of all ages.
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Items: Check out our Amazon wishlist: Amazon Wishlist
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Funds: Help us purchase supplies with a financial donation: Donation Form
Schedule of the Morning
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Mitzvah Fair
Especially geared toward 5th and 6th grade families (though all are welcome), the mitzvah fair is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to get involved with volunteering in and around Austin. Whether you’re preparing for your b’nai mitzvah project or simply want to make a difference, you’ll have the chance to meet with representatives from:
-Shalom Austin Jewish Family Services
Projects
Blankets for AjK Family Rescue
Bring warmth and comfort to animals in need by making no-sew blankets for AjK Family Rescue. This organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating neglected, abused, and abandoned animals, giving them a second chance at life. The cozy blankets we create will help these animals feel safe and cared for as they await their forever homes. Join us in supporting AjK’s mission to provide love and hope to vulnerable animals in our community! Please consider making a financial donation to support this project. (Suitable for ages 6 and up.)
Welcome Home Baskets for Austin Jews & Partners for Refugees
Help us provide a warm welcome to refugees starting their new lives in Austin. This mitzvah project involves assembling basic household supply baskets filled with essential items like cleaning supplies, kitchen tools, and toiletries. These baskets offer practical support and comfort, making the transition to a new home and community a little easier for refugee families. Please donate items needed to make our Welcome Home Baskets, which can be found on our Amazon Wishlist. (Suitable for Pre-school students and older.)
Baby Shower Gift Bags for Giving Austin Labor Support
Support birthing individuals and families in need by creating baby shower bundles for Giving Austin Labor Support (GALS Austin). These bundles include essentials like diapers, wipes, onesies, and swaddles, providing much-needed care for families welcoming a new baby. GALS Austin works to ensure every birthing person feels supported during labor and postpartum, and your contributions help extend that care beyond the delivery room. Please donate items needed to make our Baby Shower Gift Bags, which can be found on our Amazon Wishlist. (Suitable for Pre-school students and older.)
Teddy Bears & Notes for Hope Totes
Bring comfort and joy to children in crisis by making teddy bears and heartfelt cards for Hope Totes. This organization provides bags filled with essential and comforting items to children entering foster care or facing difficult situations. Your handmade bears and cards will offer a sense of security and hope, reminding these children that they are cared for and supported. Join us in spreading love and compassion to those who need it most! Please consider making a financial donation to support this project. (Suitable for ages 6 and older.)
UPDATED: Coins for L.A. Wildfire Disaster Relief
Help communities impacted by devastating wildfires by contributing to Wildfire Disaster Relief. This project focuses on addressing both the immediate needs of survivors—such as food, shelter, and medical care—and the long-term support required for recovery and rebuilding. Every coin collected makes a difference, offering hope and assistance to those facing the unimaginable journey from survival to recovery. Join us in providing vital aid and rebuilding lives! (Coin organization is suitable for ages 10 and older.)
Cards for Israeli Soldiers
Decorate and design cards for Israeli soldiers to show support and bolster morale. (Preschool age and older).
Activity Kit for Dell Children's Hospital
Brighten the day for children who are in Dell Children's Hospital by assembling Activity Kits. These kits will provide fun distractions during challenging times. Each kit includes age-appropriate items like crayons, coloring books, card games, and fidget toys, all packed in a gallon-sized bag. Add a cheerful, non-religious note of encouragement to make the kits even more special. Please donate items needed to make our Activity Kits, which can be found on our Amazon Wishlist. (Suitable for Pre-school students and older.)
Kids' Choir Performance Offsite
Kids' Choir members will have the opportunity to bring the joy of music through a special offsite performance for people in the greater Austin area. Through song, students will brighten the day of the residents, fostering connections and spreading happiness across generations. This mitzvah project is a beautiful way to share talent, compassion, and the uplifting power of music! (Only open for Kids' Choir members.)