About the Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility
The Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility (MCCSR) organizes high-impact volunteer and social justice programs that address unmet needs and the systemic issues that create inequality in our region. In seeking to make our city a more just, inclusive, and livable place, we provide a way for the Jewish community to connect to our most sacred mandate of repairing the world.
While our programs are meant to be low-barrier and engaging to all, we are fiercely committed to upholding the dignity of those we serve by only providing services that are truly needed.
Our volunteer opportunities are designed to be family-friendly, flexible, and accessible whether you can commit one hour a month or a few hours a week. We offer our volunteers the opportunity to build lasting relationships with agencies and clients over the span of years, or volunteer once and try a different project the next time.
We have succeeded if our participants leave with a holistic understanding of the inequality that exists in our city and the motivation to join us in continuing to repair the world.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Events
DC Central Kitchen develops and operates social ventures targeting the cycle of hunger and poverty. Each of our ventures create opportunities for meaningful careers, expand access to healthy food, and test innovative solutions to systemic failures.
Join us to volunteer on site at the DC Central Kitchen. Tasks include chopping vegetables, sorting fresh produce, mixing salads, portioning meals, preparing and cooking food.
To work in the kitchen volunteers must wear long pants, closed-toed shoes – non-slip soles recommended, shirts with sleeves (short sleeves are okay, tank tops are not), and a hat or other head covering. Hairnets are provided if you don’t bring a hat. Midriff shirts are not allowed. Aprons and gloves will be provided.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years old to participate, no exceptions please. Registration required.
If you aren’t feeling well and have any flu or cold-like symptoms we request that you volunteer a different time for the safety of those we serve.
If you have any questions please email Josh at jsherman@edcjcc.org.
Join Behrend Builders as we build the community sukkah for the Edlavitch DCJCC.
In preparation for the festival of Sukkot we will be building the community sukkah and creating decorations for it! Come and be a part of the creation of this gorgeous structure for the Sukkot season. We will need builders and decorators so this project is open to people of all ages and experience!
Please sign up in advance, since we will not be able to accommodate walk-ins. No prior experience in sukkah building is required!
We will meet in the Edlavitch DCJCC parking lot. If you have any questions please email Randy Bacon at randyb@edcjcc.org.
Please join us for October’s Families Serving Together where families and their children can come together to serve our community!
Join us to celebrate the end of the holiday of Sukkot and make instant soup kits for people experiencing food insecurity in our city. The morning will include reading a story, learning about the holiday of Sukkot, and doing the service project. Children of all ages are welcome!
We request a $20 per family tax-deductible program fee to help us cover the costs of supplies.
This program is open to children of all ages, but please register everyone who will be participating, including young children, as there is limited space for this program.
If you have any questions please email Josh.
Join Behrend Builders and GLOE to paint and beautify an LGBTQ Shelter and Community Space, serving the LGBTQ and transgender community. Transgender youth have a suicide rate of 40%, and are far more likely than their peers to end up homeless without a support network. Help create a welcoming space that provides them with a home, a support network, and critically important case management.
No previous painting experience necessary!
Please note children must be 14 and over to participate, no exceptions.
We request a $20/person tax-deductible program fee to help us cover the costs of supplies. If the program fee is in any way a barrier to volunteering please don’t hesitate to contact Randy: randyb@edcjcc.org
Help replenish the blood supply in the DC metro area!
It’s safe, easy, confidential, and extremely rewarding. The EDCJCC partners with Inova Blood Services to bring skilled technicians and top-of-the-line equipment for our quarterly blood drives.
A few facts about donating blood:
- One blood donation can save four lives
- All donations stay in the Washington, DC area
- Every 17 seconds, someone in the DC area needs a blood donation
- One out of 10 people will need a donation before the age of 70
- The body quickly replaces the amount of blood given during the donation
For more information and to see eligibility requirements for donating, please click here. Please plan on your blood donation to take about an hour from start to finish.
Making an appointment in advance is highly encouraged.
***Please note that appointments can be made up to 24 hours in advance, but if you miss the deadline to make an appointment you should still come in! Walk-ins will be taken throughout the evening.***
Volunteer with the blood drive
We need your help to run our Blood Drive. Volunteers greet, check people in, and provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for blood donors throughout their experience. We request that you volunteer for a minimum of 1 hour. To volunteer, simply click on the “Set Appointment” button and select “VOLUNTEER” as your registration type.
DC Central Kitchen develops and operates social ventures targeting the cycle of hunger and poverty. Each of our ventures create opportunities for meaningful careers, expand access to healthy food, and test innovative solutions to systemic failures.
Join us to volunteer on site at the DC Central Kitchen. Tasks include chopping vegetables, sorting fresh produce, mixing salads, portioning meals, preparing and cooking food.
To work in the kitchen volunteers must wear long pants, closed-toed shoes – non-slip soles recommended, shirts with sleeves (short sleeves are okay, tank tops are not), and a hat or other head covering. Hairnets are provided if you don’t bring a hat. Midriff shirts are not allowed. Aprons and gloves will be provided.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years old to participate, no exceptions please. Registration required.
If you aren’t feeling well and have any flu or cold-like symptoms we request that you volunteer a different time for the safety of those we serve.
If you have any questions please email Josh at jsherman@edcjcc.org.
The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all people, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, abilities, or religion, including interfaith couples and families.