Hesed Committee

In the spirit of gemilut hasadim, the Or Zarua Hesed Committee coordinates the congregation's efforts to help those within our local community who are in need.

Below is a list of the committee's current activities.

For more information about the Hesed Committee and upcoming activities, please contact the Or Zarua office by email at info@orzarua.org or by telephone at 212.452.2310, Ext. 10.

Ongoing Programs Laptop Recycling Used laptops are needed for formerly homeless clients of the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter (NCS). OZ Resident Techie Noah Eisenbruch deletes your data, refurbishes the laptops, and teaches NCS clients to operate them. Laptop donations are tax deductible; receipt forms are available. Contact Richard Stadin at 212.879.0448 or stadin1@aol.com. Monday Night Pizza Servers Needed! OZ volunteers serve pizza each Monday night at the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter Residence at 211 East 81st Street. By spending one hour ( 6-7 p.m.) one Monday per month, you’ll experience personally rewarding interactions with the residents while performing your own special mitzvah! Contact Richard Stadin at 212.879.0448 or stadin1@aol.com. Decorate the Newly Renovated NCS Residence Do you have framed prints, posters or art in good condition for donation to NCS? The residence at East 81st Street has seven floors of newly painted, blank hallways and client rooms to decorate. Clean out that overstuffed closet and start collecting art now! Dates will be announced. Donation Deliveries NCS needs volunteers to pick up donations and transport supplies to volunteer events in various locations in Manhattan. Volunteer drivers are notified in advance, and shifts are based on the volunteers’ availability. Willingness to carry boxes is a plus, but is not required. For details, contact Milllicent Cavanaugh, Director of Volunteer Services, at 212.861.0704 (option 1), x407 or mcavanaugh@ncsinc.org. Single Events Annual Hannukah Toy Drive In conjunction with the MET Council. It's time to start collecting toys! Contact Carrie Fox at carrie@foxschechter.com DOROT Hannukah and Pesah Package Deliveries Share the spirit of the holidays by visiting with seniors in their homes and bringing friendship along with small packages of holiday treats. This is an excellent activity for the entire family, and a wonderful way to introduce children to the joy and importance of hesed. Contact Aaron Shelden at 212.734.2888 Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve Food Delivery Volunteers and vehicles are needed to pack up and deliver food dontated by Eli's and the Vinegar Factory to Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter Residences and to the Ronald McDonald House. Contact Richard Stadin at 212.879.0448 or stadin1@aol.com Israeli Night at Ronald McDonald House To celebrate Tu B'Shevat in January, we'll want volunteers and donations of kosher desserts for this special evening when we make friends, entertain the resident children and their families with song and Israeli folk dance, and serve our traditional Middle Eastern buffet. Give the Gift of Life! Or Zarua will again be partnering with the New York Blood Center to host our 7th annual Blood Drive in February 2009. Volunteer an hour of your time to give blood and/or to sign up for bone marrow donation. As in the past, there'll be a sumptuous brunch provided, as well as additional hesed and art activities for children.