Social Action Committee

 Judaism teaches us that we are responsible for tikkun olam- repair of the world. We can repair our corner of the world and more by taking action together.  

The Social Action Committee is a group of dedicated individuals whose sole purpose is making a difference to those in need of comfort and assistance.  Serving on the Committee is exceedingly rewarding and a lot of fun working together and for others. 

We are always looking for new members and ideas.  There are several projects done on an on-going basis plus numerous activities/donations performed on an as needed basis.

JOIN OUR SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE

If you would truly  like to make a difference in our many communities, please consider joining our Committee.  New ideas and participation are always welcome. 
We try to meet monthly to best accommodate the schedules of the members.  Mondays or Tuesdays are the usual meeting nights (once a month.) 

Please contact Bob Mandell at 847-540-0184, graustark@aol.com, or Juliet Shavitz at 847-651-6531, Juliet@shavitz.com to join our happy throng.  We would love having you!

CHILI COOKOFF - OUR ONLY FUNDRAISING EVENT

Funding for the all programs undertaken by the Social Action Committee comes from the proceeds raised from our annual chili cookoff. 

• This fundraiser is usually held in February and is one of the largest attended events at the Temple. 
• Firemen from Hoffman Estates judge the best entries in chili, salads, other dishes, and dessert. 
• Prizes are awarded to the winners. 
• There are also raffles and other fun events. 

The event is quickly sold out, so be sure to buy your tickets as soon as the event is announced.

ONGOING PROGRAMS:

HIGH HOLIDAYS AND CHANUKAH FOOD

Each year, during the High Holiday season, the Social Action Committee holds a food drive to collect:
• Kosher and non-Kosher food (canned tuna, soup, fruits, vegetables, pasta)
• Grocery items (paper goods, cleaning supplies, toiletries)

See flyer for details.

During Rosh Hashanah services, grocery bags are distributed (or you may use your own bags).  Once filled, the bags are returned to the Temple.  Shortly after Yom Kippur the food is sorted and donated to the ARK and the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry. 
For Chanukah, donations of non-perishable food items, hats, gloves, scarves and socks for all ages are made at designated Social Action bin in the Temple.  Collected donations go to the Schaumburg, Palatine, and other area Townships for their pantries, shelters, and schools.  This gives a special Chanukah light and warmth to the contributors.

BLOOD DRIVES
The Congregation sponsors one or two blood drives each year. 
The Blood Mobile comes to Beth Tikvah.  

Brightening lives through blood donations means recipients and their families may have a gift of life and a promise of hope. For you as a donor, it is the selfless way of giving that comes with helping others in such an impactful way.  The Congregation sponsors Blood Drives several times throughout the year. Check back to find out your next opportunity to give blood.

SUPPORT WINGS
WINGS is a local women’s and children’s shelter.  In the past, volunteers have worked at the WINGS resale shop and wrapped gifts donated by churches and the community for needy children who are clients of WINGS.

SUPPORT KRASNADOR, RUSSIA JEWS
Beth Tikvah “adopted” a small Jewish community in Krasnodar, Russia. We send clothes, religious items, medication, and more to this community. We also provide support through e-mail and phone calls.  Several large crates are shipped to Krasnador each year.

PIZZA AND SODA FOR ISRAELI TROOPS
Each year, the Social Action Committee sends contributions to a service organization that supplies pizza and soda to Israeli troops.

COATS FOR KIDS
Every year in October, we donate coats for kids or credit cards for the ARK to distribute to families needing warm weather clothing.

OTHER PROGRAMS
The Social Action Committee performs numerous other activities deemed worthwhile by the Committee.  Following are just a few of the activities the Committee has supported:

• Habitat for Humanity - Volunteers help build homes for this worthwhile organization (View pictures of July 2009 volunteers in Waukegan, IL)
• Cooking dinners for the homeless -c ongregants cook complete dinners and bring the food to a Sunday PADS site where it is served to the homeless in our community.  View pictures from Dec 25, 2009 cooking for PADS at Prince of Peace Church.
• Sewing Circle - sewed baby quilts sent to Kasnodar and given to Township offices and cooling collars were shipped to soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Uptown Café - The Uptown Café is a soup kitchen on the Northwest Side of Chicago run by the JUF- Visitors are served meals in a restaurant environment.
• Letter writing - Sent get well letters to cancer patients and siblings of cancer patients and soldiers.
• REST Shelter in Chicago - Provides toiletries and clothing donations and peanut butter sandwiches to REST who gives numerous benefits to hundreds of homeless individuals every day
• On-going Collections - Throughout the year, the following items are collected and can be donated by placing them in the Social Action bin located near the Chavyron:
• Hotel  size toiletries - distributed to  local shelters and crisis centers
• Cell phones - Phones are reconditioned and programmed to dial 911 and are given to victims of domestic violence.
• Pop tops - the pop tops are given to the Ronald McDonald House which sells the aluminum to support the general operating of the Houses.
  

The Social Action Committee has also performed numerous other activities and made donations to many organizations throughout the world.  As you can see, our efforts have an international flavor, but most activities are to assist our community. 

We would love to have you assist us in our many truly worthwhile efforts.  Our upcoming activities are announced in the Temple Bulletin and e-mails. 
Please volunteer for these projects as often as possible and feel the warmth and rewards of helping those in need.