Tikkun Olam-a-thon

Tikkun Olam-A-Thon

Sunday, January 19 • 9:30 AM • Shir Shalom

Projects & Registration
SSTY | Madrichim
Preschool Family Project

Jewish tradition teaches that we have an obligation to partner with God in tikkun olam, reparing the world. Every morning during our Religious School Tefillah, we thank God for the opportunity to mend the world.

During the Tikkun Olam-A-Thon, you are invited to reach out to our community and neighbors in need with acts of loving kindness as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision and teach the importance of unity, diversity and the worth of every person.

Tikkun Olam-A-Thon is:

• People helping people – children, adults, seniors.

• An opportunity to choose from several service projects.

• One way to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

• A chance to fulfill our sacred obligation to repair the world.

• Over 300 Shir Shalom members joining on one day to help those in need.   

We will gather at Temple in the sanctuary for the Tikkun Olam-a-thon Opening Ceremony and then break out into project groups!

Projects & Registration

BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK-ROYAL OAK & ROYAL OAK SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER
About: Blessings In a Backpack is a “neighbor-helping-neighbor” program that is designed to help meet the nutritional needs of school-age children. Each week, volunteers, in cooperation with school officials, distribute backpacks filled with enough non-perishable food for the weekend (six meals) to “hunger insecure” school-age children.  These students are participants in the government subsidized Free or Reduced Fee Lunch Program. The goal of the Blessings in a Backpack program is to keep these children from going hungry on the weekends and remove barriers to academic success.

The Royal Oak Senior Community Center is a place where older adults can enjoy opportunities for lifelong education, fitness, nutrition and leisure activities. Additionally, they offer supportive services to residents 60 and over or who are permanently disabled to promote independence and quality of life.

Project: We will be layering cookie ingredients in jars to distribute to local organizations in need. Participants add baking instructions and an ingredient list with all Cookies in a Jar kits.

COTS
About: The Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) was founded to address Detroit's growing homelessness crisis. This organization assists families in reaching their housing, economic, health, education and career goals as they overcome homelessness.

Project: Volunteers will head to COTS where they will read stories to little ones, have cocoa and cookies with participants and then will work with children there to create a personal art project.

DETROIT DOG RESCUE
About: Taking care of the pet population in the greater Detroit community is part of the job of Detroit Dog Rescue. They provide a humane alternative as a no-kill shelter and help keep the pet population under control through their extensive foster program and pet adoption events.

Project: We will make snuffle mats for DDR dogs to help provide enrichment for the dogs in their shelter.

HENRY FORD HOSPITAL WEST BLOOMFIELD - NICU
About: Henry Ford Hospital uses blankets to help maintain a healthy temperature for the babies in their care.

Project: We are making mini sized no-sew blankets for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield. The NICU doctors, nurses and staff who care for these babies are thrilled to have the community support.

LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS
About: We cannot thank the first responders in our local communities enough for all they do to keep us safe and well cared for.

Project: We will package up candy baskets and write notes of appreciation for these hometown heroes (police, firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics) to thank them for their dedication.

HOPE WARMING CENTERS OF PONTIAC
About: Hope Warming Centers offer a safe and judgment-free shelter, innovative programs and public advocacy to end homelessness. They are committed to helping people find the skills and support they may need to successfully transition into housing.

Project: Volunteers will make adult-sized no-sew blankets for the guests of Hope Warming Centers.

JEWISH WAR VETERANS & PIQUETTE SQUARE
About: Jewish War Veterans helps veterans through advocacy for better clinics, hospitals, Veterans homes, and Veteran-friendly legislation. They volunteer at Veterans facilities, support local Veteran activities, and help maintain Veteran plots in local Jewish cemeteries. They educate the general community about contributions of Jews to the U.S. military services. They are a Jewish Voice for Veterans, a Veteran's Voice for Jews. 

Piquette Square is a 150-unit apartment project in Detroit that houses and cares for homeless veterans, offering comprehensive support services to help veterans develop self-sufficiency and reintegrate into the community.

Project: In cooperation with Jewish War Veterans, we will be assembling hygiene kits for the residents of Piquette Square.

LIGHTHOUSE OF OAKLAND COUNTY
About: Lighthouse of Oakland County assists local residents and has seen a dramatic increase in need recently. They have emergency shelter facilities, offer rental assistance and affordable housing resources, support services, and aid in the community by helping displaced individuals get back on their feet. They work with the homeless and the working poor.

Project: We will make hygiene bags providing their clients with a few toiletries and socks - important items this time of the year.

METRO FOOD RESCUE
About: Because of Metro Food Rescue, more food that would otherwise get discarded now gets to those who need it. In 2021 alone they rescued one million pounds of food. Their trucks are on the road 6 days a week picking up food and dropping it off, in partnership with more than 40 partner food banks.

Project: Volunteers will create Soup Kits for families in need.

MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY
About: Michigan Humane Society creates thousands of new families each year, adopting out companion animals. They improve and save lives through compassionate care, community engagement and advocacy for animals.

Project: Volunteers will make kitty forts, which will provide stimulation for cats while at the shelter and create an easier transition into adopted homes.

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE ORGANIZATION (NSO)
About: Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), a Detroit-based integrated health and human service agency, delivers community-based services and holistic programs for vulnerable populations. The agency provides behavioral health and primary care services, in addition to wraparound services that address barriers to housing, health and well-being. NSO serves 12,000 people annually in Wayne and Oakland counties.

Project: We will be assembling hygiene kits with personal notes that will be distributed by NSO to those in need.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
About: The Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" for families while their children are in the hospital. By providing families a place to stay in close proximity to Children's Hospitals, Ronald McDonald House takes one worry off the shoulders of parents, allowing them to focus on their ill child.

Project: Volunteers will work with caterer Paul Wertz and his team at Platinum Dish Catering to prepare a meal for the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit. Volunteers will also be needed to deliver the food that afternoon. Children must be at least 6 years of age and signed up with their parents.

Please complete registration HERE.

Back to top.

Madrichim Project

7th & 8th Grade Madrichim students, join Repair the World in a service project supporting St. Leo's Soup Kitchen at Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue. Together we will learn about their work as a non-denominational organization dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Madrichim will be preparing and baking cookies which will be stored and served to St. Leo’s clients.

Please complete registration HERE for your 7th or 8th grader.

Back to top.