Students from Solomon Schechter Day School in West Hartford honored ‘Giving Tuesday’ with efforts to assist multiple organizations in the community.

Fifth grader Orla Leshem. Courtesy photo

Submitted

Solomon Schechter Day School had an ambitious schedule of projects for this year’s Giving Tuesday. Each child contributed in a meaningful way from the 2-year olds through the 8th graders. The act of giving back to those in need is woven into the very fabric of the school’s core values of Good Heart (​Lev Tov​) and Community (​Klal Yisrael​).

Students supported Dignity Grows by packing over ​1,000​ tote bags filled with a full month’s supply of comprehensive hygiene and menstrual products for our neighbors in need, that will be distributed at various nonprofit organizations in the Greater Hartford area. In the 18 months since Dignity Grows began, they have distributed over 6,500 totes. Dignity Grows is a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s Women’s Philanthropy and was founded by Jessica Zachs, who also serves as Chairwoman of the Board for Solomon Schechter,.

Another project included a Shabbat bag with grape juice, snacks, challas (donated by the Crown Market) and Shabbat candles with handmade cards. These were given to the Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry for distribution to their clients. Food insecurity is rampant in the greater Hartford community and Solomon Schechter supports their efforts whatever way they can.

Students also made and packed lunch bags with note cards for the South Park Inn. This organization assists people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity by providing shelter and meals. They also strive to identify and remove barriers to permanent housing. Solomon Schechter middle schoolers volunteered pre-COVID at House of Bread throughout the school year as part of their community service.

Lastly, students created art projects including decorated door hangers and picture frames for the residents at Hoffman SummerWood, a private, non-profit senior living facility. Hoffman SummerWood is guided by a sense of mission and a tradition of Jewish values. Their goal is to ensure all residents are involved in whatever brings a smile to their face and joy to their heart.

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