About the Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service
The Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service (MCCCS) organizes high-impact volunteer programs that address unmet needs in the Washington, DC area. 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 sense of the great need that exists in our city and the motivation and desire to join with us to continue repairing the world.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Events
Join the EDCJCC to mix, chop, and prepare food for homeless shelters and other agencies serving those in need in the DC area.
No cooking skills are necessary! Individuals of all ages can participate, but children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
The food prepared during Hunger Action is donated to Charlie’s Place, which provides meals and social services to neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Please note that during the renovation, the EDCJCC’s Hunger Action program will take place at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, located in Dupont Circle not far from the EDCJCC.
We request a $8.00 donation to help us cover the costs of ingredients to ensure we are able to provide the highest quality food possible. If you would like to volunteer but are unable to make the donation, please contact Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org.
In 2018, 6,904 people in the District experienced homelessness, with 45% of those experiencing homelessness part of family units.
Community of Hope, a long-time partner of the EDCJCC, just opened a new short-term family housing site, The Triumph, where they are supporting 50 families experiencing homelessness in Ward 8.
Come out to serve dinner and spend time with families staying at The Triumph! Games and activities will be provided, and children excited to make new friends will be waiting.
Please note that volunteers must be at least 14 years old to participate, no exceptions.
This event requires pre-registration as the number of spots are limited – please register in advance. Thanks!
If you have any questions, contact Sonya Weisburd at 202-777-3269 or sonyaw@edcjcc.org.
DC Central Kitchen prepares over 5,000 meals a day, 365 days a year, for low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness.
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. RSVP 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 concerning volunteering in a professional kitchen, please email Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org.
Join fellow knitters and crocheters to make handmade goodies for a great cause! Our goal is to contribute as many warm winter items as possible to distribute to individuals experiencing homelessness in the DC area.
All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome. Don’t know how to knit or crochet? We’ll teach you!
Please note, during the renovation of the Edlavitch DCJCC main building, Handmade for the Homeless will be meeting in our townhouse space located at 1534 16th Street, NW, directly across the street from the EDCJCC.
What should I bring?
Please bring your own needles/crochet hooks. If you are not already working on a warm winter item and are looking for a great project or just starting out, please bring:
- #8 or #10 knitting needles (circular or straight) or a size H crochet hook
- Patterns you’re working on or want to start
What do you supply?
We provide lots of beautiful yarn, several patterns including hat patterns using #17 needles or a size N crochet hook, and experienced knitters and crocheters to teach anyone who would like to learn how to knit or crochet.
If you can’t join us in person, join us in spirit by knitting or crocheting:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Gloves and Mittens
- Socks or slippers
- Other items to keep people warm during the cold winter months
Knitted items and yarn donations can be dropped off at the EDCJCC. Contact Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org to make arrangements. Thank you!
Want to know more or join our virtual community? Like us on Facebook!
If you have any questions about this event contact Sheryl at sherlinov@gmail.com.
The issue of seeking asylum has been on our minds and televisions for several months. What is the distinction between a refugee and an asylum seeker? What legal rights and protections are currently provided under US law for this group of people? And how are these protections changing, impacting thousands of vulnerable people fleeing their home countries? Come for an evening of learning, sharing, and taking action with HIAS, which is working both at our southern border as well as in the halls of Congress to address this critical issue.
A vegetarian dinner will be served.
We request a $12 registration fee to help cover the costs of the program. If this is in any way a hardship please email Sonya.
In partnership with HIAS, ADL, and JCRC.
In 2018, 6,904 people in the District experienced homelessness, with 45% of those experiencing homelessness part of family units.
Community of Hope, a long-time partner of the EDCJCC, just opened a new short-term family housing site, The Triumph, where they are supporting 50 families experiencing homelessness in Ward 8.
Come out to serve dinner and spend time with families staying at The Triumph! Games and activities will be provided, and children excited to make new friends will be waiting.
Please note that volunteers must be at least 14 years old to participate, no exceptions.
This event requires pre-registration as the number of spots are limited – please register in advance. Thanks!
If you have any questions, contact Sonya Weisburd at 202-777-3269 or sonyaw@edcjcc.org.
The Anacostia River—one of the most polluted rivers in the US for decades—has long been the dividing line of income inequality in DC. In the past few years, the city has invested heavily in cleaning up the river, bringing development to its shores – in fact, the banks of the Anacostia are currently DC’s fastest-growing area. But as housing prices increase, those who have lived along the banks of the river and suffered its environmental effects are being pushed out, just as the river is finally getting clean. Learn about how environmental gentrification and the affordable housing crisis are affecting our neighbors living on the banks of DC’s iconic river.
A vegetarian dinner will be served.
This is the first part of a two-part series. We hope you will also consider attending Part 2 when we will be doing a clean-up of the northern part of the Anacostia River.
We request a $12 registration fee to help cover the costs of the program. If this is in any way a hardship please email Sonya.
In partnership with AVODAH, Tzedek DC, Operation Understanding DC, and Hazon
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.
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.