We are beyond grateful for the community's response to our second annual Jewish Day of Service! All volunteer opportunities have been filled and our waitlist is open. Please contact Amy Drucker at 518-859-4276 if you would like to be added to the waitlist.

Jewish Federation invites our community to give the gift of your time at the second annual Jewish Day of Service! Jewish Day of Service—held on Christmas Day—partners with local non-profit organizations that must be open on December 25 and are in need of helping hands on this holiday. 

Our partners this year include: City Mission of Schenectady, Ronald McDonald House in Albany, Albany Medical Center Health System and the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital, Joseph's House & Shelter in Troy, and Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center. 

Unable to volunteer, keep scrolling for opportunities to support this meaningful effort in other ways. 

We are looking for up to 60 volunteers to help us at one of our community partner locations:

 

[SOLD OUT] 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!

 

[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. | 6 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 13 with a supervising adult.

SOLD OUT!

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[SOLD OUT] Albany Stratton VA Medical Center: Christmas Breakfast (NEW!)

It is an honor to be able to partner this year with the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center.  Albany Stratton VA was founded in 1951 and serves a 22 county catchment encompassing upstate NY, western MA, and Vermont. Serving 50,000 patients annually, the VA offers inpatient medical, surgical, and behavioral health care as well as the full range of outpatient medical services. The Stratton VA is a teaching hospital and a comprehensive cancer center. 

We will be providing, prepping, and serving breakfast for the veterans, their families, and the staff (many are veterans themselves). Volunteers will be asked to bring food and decorations. 

8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | 10 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 13 with a supervising adult.

SOLD OUT!

 

[SOLD OUT!] Albany Stratton VA Medical Center: Christmas Cookie Decorating Party (NEW!)

Let's have some fun with the veterans on Christmas afternoon. Volunteers will bring (already baked) cookies and supplies to decorate Christmas-themed cookies. Hot chocolate, too! Families with children 10 and over are welcome.

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | 5 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 10 with a supervising adult.

SOLD OUT!

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[SOLD OUT] Ronald McDonald House in Albany: Christmas Morning Breakfast (NEW!)

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.

Families at Ronald House will wake up to our volunteers preparing a festive breakfast in their kitchen. Decorations, too!

7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. | 3 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 16 with a supervising adult.

SOLD OUT!

 

[SOLD OUT] Ronald McDonald House in Albany: Bake Holiday Treats

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

 

[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. | 3 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 16 with a supervising adult.

SOLD OUT!

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[SOLD OUT] Albany Medical Center Health System and the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital (2 NEW locations!):

Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital, Massry Family Children’s Emergency Center, and the Adult ER at Albany Med: Serve Warm Drinks and Sweet Holiday Treats

The Emergency Department and Level 1 Trauma Center at Albany Medical Center is the busiest in New York State, with more than 75,000 patient visits each year.  Founded in 1986, the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in our region. It serves a 40,000 square mile catchment area encompassing 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 our team of volunteers will spread holiday cheer across the Albany Medical Center campus to the patients, families, and staff of our community’s only dedicated children’s hospital and level I trauma center. Our volunteers will provide coffee, hot chocolate, and breakfast treats for up to 100 people at three locations: the pediatric inpatient floor, pediatric emergency room, and general emergency room. 

8 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. | 10 volunteers needed | Volunteers may 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!

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[SOLD OUT] Joseph's House and Shelter in Troy: Christmas Lunch at 74 Ferry Street Location (family shelter)

In 1983, Joseph’s House and Shelter 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 and Shelter 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 heat and serve Christmas lunch for 50 (and decorate cookies with families); meals provided by Congregation Berith Sholom in Troy.

Arrive by 11:00 a.m. | 5 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 13 with a supervising adult.

SOLD OUT!
 
 

[SOLD OUT!] Joseph's House and Shelter in Troy: Christmas Lunch at Hill Shelter, 202 4th Street (NEW!)

Joseph’s House and Shelter in Troy provides emergency services and shelter to guests as well as residents. This Christmas, volunteer with us to shine a light. We will decorate the dining room for the holidays and then heat and serve Christmas lunch for 50; meals provided by Congregation Berith Sholom in Troy.

Arrive by 11:00 a.m. | 5 volunteers needed | The minimum age is 13 with a supervising adult.

SOLD OUT!

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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:

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 -   

These are provided to the families who have children admitted to the hospital to help alleviate the financial stress of a child’s hospital stay.

Volunteers may bring gift cards with them!

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JOSEPH’S HOUSE & SHELTER in TROY WISH LIST:
Toiletries, disposable razors, washcloths, and twin bed plastic mattress covers.

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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