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
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.
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!
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 Chana at chanaengel@gmail.com.
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, recently opened a new short-term family housing site, The Triumph, where they are supporting 50 families experiencing homelessness in Ward 8.
Come out to celebrate the November birthdays and spend time with families staying at The Triumph! Games, activities, and snacks will be provided. The children will be excited to make new friends.
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 Josh Sherman at 202-777-3259 or 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.