LIVINGSTON, NJ — The Temple B’nai Abraham Midday Run, the distribution of donated clothing and food to those in need in Newark’s community at St. Rocco’s Church, took place Sunday, Nov. 18. This annual event, sponsored by TBA Teen Tikkun Olam Group, was preceded by a two-month food and clothing drive at the temple.
On the morning of Nov. 18, 50 members of TTO volunteered at TBA to sort a large amount of donations from TBA congregants. Once donations were packed into a truck, driven by TBA member Adam Reisboard, the students were transported to St. Rocco’s Church in Newark, under the supervision of Jewish Learning Program Special Projects coordinator Arleen Lichtenstein and parent volunteers.
St. Rocco’s is part of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. Catholic Charities has several areas of activity, including an emergency family shelter for homeless women with children including three meals a day. Services include support counseling, educational workshops, instruction in parenting skills, job and housing placement, referrals for mental health and substance abuse services, a soup kitchen, and food pantry.
Once TTO members arrived at St. Rocco’s, the teens quickly unpacked and interacted with patrons to help them “shop” for the perfect items. TTO teens assisted more than 525 residents of Newark get much-needed supplies for the upcoming winter.
“Through meaningful interactions with patrons of the annual Midday Run, students gain insight and understanding about the way each of us can contribute to those in need,” Lichtenstein said. “This yearly program inspires the young people to recognize that poverty and need is a chronic problem facing our country.”
Photos Courtesy of Tina Greenberg
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