We are beyond grateful for the community's response to our first annual Jewish Day of Service! All volunteer opportunities have been filled and our waitlist is open. Please contact Amy Drucker at 518-859-7276 if you would like to be added to the waitlist.
Jewish Federation invites our community to give the gift of your time at the first annual Jewish Day of Service! Jewish Day of Service—held on Christmas Day—is partnering with local non-profit organizations that are open on December 25 and in need of volunteers.
We are partnering with the City Mission of Schenectady, Ronald McDonald House in Albany, Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Med, and Joseph's House in Troy. Please consider volunteering at any one of the six opportunities listed below.
Unable to volunteer, but want to give back? Keep scrolling for opportunities to support this meaningful effort in other ways.
We are looking for a total of 47 volunteers to help us at one of our community partner locations:
City Mission of Schenectady Christmas Breakfast
Founded in 1906, City Mission is dedicated to meeting the needs of those individuals and families seeking immediate basic necessities such as food and shelter as well as offering the support and guidance to change the trajectories of their residents' lives.
The staff of City Mission is always so busy preparing for the community-wide supper, leaving little opportunity to provide residents with a special breakfast on Christmas morning. Our volunteers will cook and serve breakfast for approximately 50 men, women, and children, and will decorate the Family Life Center.
Arrive by 7:00 a.m. | 10 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 13 with a supervising adult.
SOLD OUT!
City Mission of Schenectady Men's Dinner & Bingo Night
When we asked City Mission what would make this Christmas special and different, they asked for a program and dinner for men at the residence—BINGO in the Mission’s Cafe! City Mission will provide sandwiches and beverages, and we will provide snacks and holiday cookies. Join in the fun of calling out the bingo numbers and giving away gift cards to the winners.
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | 10 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 13 with a supervising adult.
SOLD OUT!
Ronald McDonald House in Albany Bake Holiday Treats
In 1982, Ronald McDonald House opened on S. Lake Drive. Since its founding, more than 17,000 families from around the world have been able to stay there free of charge while their children have received life saving treatment at nearby Albany Medical Center.
Help to fill Ronald McDonald House with the smells of home and the holidays. Volunteers will bake cookies and brownies in the onsite kitchen for families.
Arrive by 11:00 a.m. | 3 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 16 with a supervising adult.
SOLD OUT!
Ronald McDonald House in Albany Serve Christmas Dinner
Dinner will be provided and volunteers will warm and serve the meals for families staying overnight on Christmas. Bring your holiday cheer and decorate dinner tables as well.
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | 4 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 16 with a supervising adult.
SOLD OUT!
Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Med Serve Coffee and Treats
Founded in 1986, the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in our region. It serves 25 counties in upstate New York and western New England. The hospital has a dedicated pediatric emergency center, pediatric oncology specialists, and a level IV neonatal ICU.
On Christmas morning, spread holiday cheer to the patients, families, and staff of our community’s only dedicated children’s hospital. Our volunteers will provide coffee, hot chocolate, and breakfast treats for up to 75 people.
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | 8 volunteers needed | Volunteers will be asked to provide proof of current flu vaccine or
will be required to wear a mask. | The minimum age is 16 with a supervising adult.
SOLD OUT!
Joseph's House in Troy Christmas Lunch
In 1983, Joseph’s House was founded to address the needs of the homeless in Troy with dignity and respect. It is able to provide temporary, emergency housing as well as long-term residency for individuals and families in need.
Joseph’s House in Troy provides emergency services and shelter to guests as well as residents, whether individuals or families. This Christmas, volunteer with us to shine a light. We will decorate the dining room for the holidays and then cook and serve Christmas lunch for 50.
Arrive by 11:00 a.m. | 12 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 13 with a supervising adult.
SOLD OUT!
Community Partners 'Wish Lists'
If you are unable to volunteer in person on December 25, please consider supporting our Community Partners by shopping for items on “wish lists" here:
CITY MISSION’S WISH LIST:
Please use this shipping address:
City Mission of Schenectady
Attn: Robin Messick
425 Hamilton St
Schenectady, NY 12010
Coffee mugs: Acopa 8 oz. Ivory (American White) Rolled Edge Stoneware Mug - 36/Case (webstaurantstore.com)
Forks: Choice Dominion 7" 18/0 Stainless Steel Dinner Fork - 12/Case (webstaurantstore.com)
Spoons: Choice Dominion Stainless Steel Teaspoons - 12/Case (webstaurantstore.com)
Knives: Choice Dominion 8 3/8" Stainless Steel Dinner Knife - 12/Case (webstaurantstore.com)
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BERNARD & MILLIE DUKER CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL’S WISH LIST:
Please ship to, mail, or drop off at:
Jewish Federation of NENY
184 Washington Avenue Ext
Albany, NY 12203
Gas cards or gift cards to any of the food outlets in the hospital:
- Dunkin - Panera - Starbucks - Subway -
Volunteers may bring gift cards with them!
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JOSEPH’S HOUSE WISH LIST:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2EZL7XD9AM1IU?leftNavSection=Shopping&ref_=abls_lnv_sl
Or, please consider making a donation to Jewish Federation of NENY's annual campaign. Your gift ensures our community continues to provide important local programs here at home and radiates across the globe, caring for our international community in Israel, Ukraine, and more than 70 countries. Be part of a community that cares.
DONATE NOW: https://jewishfedny.givingfuel.com/give
Sponsor: The Goldberg Family Fund & Jewish Federations of NENY