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
December 25th Day of Service (D25) is the Edlavitch DCJCC’s largest volunteer event of the year. Join over 1,000 volunteers at a social service agency in the metro-DC area to prepare and serve meals, sing carols, visit home-bound seniors, throw holiday parties, play bingo, and deliver holiday cheer to those in need.
This year, while the EDCJCC building is undergoing renovation, the Hyatt Regency will be D25’s home base. Several ways to give back will be available on-site at the Hyatt Regency, including our Winter Blood Drive, making instant meal kits, creating cards for emergency personnel working on Christmas Day, and many others. Registration and check-in will also take place at the Hyatt Regency this year.
Many of the projects are family-friendly – please read individual project descriptions carefully for the minimum age to volunteer at each site.
Join GLOE to paint and beautify Casa Ruby, a youth homeless shelter 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!
Afterwards, volunteers are invited (but not required) to help prepare Christmas dinner for the shelter residents, as well as join in the festive meal and after-party with games.
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, including gifts for clients, Santa suits, party decorations, arts & crafts, and games. All of the money from program fees except for a small credit card processing fee goes directly towards D25 supplies. If the program fee is in any way a barrier to volunteering please don’t hesitate to contact Sonya: 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 have a respiratory or stomach ailment, for health safety reasons, please volunteer another time.
If you have any questions concerning volunteering in a professional kitchen, please email Sonya at sonyaw@edcjcc.org.
Join Behrend Builders for the Edlavitch DCJCC’s MLK Day of Service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Volunteers will painting and decorating the walls of a public elementary school in Northeast DC where over 50% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Sign up as an individual or as a small group with co-workers, friends, or family. Address and location will be provided upon registration. Volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years old, no exceptions please.
No painting experience is necessary and all materials will be provided. Registration is mandatory and walk-ins cannot be accommodated for this project.
Click on the “Sign Me Up” button to register.
Questions? Contact Randy Bacon at randyb@edcjcc.org or 202-777-3244.
Join the EDCJCC’s Families Serving Together for MLK Day of Service!
This MLK Day, show your children the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and celebrate Tu B’shevat (the Jewish New Year of the trees) by working together to help those facing hunger and homelessness in our community.
Come for an afternoon of making healthy snack bags, laundry kits, a Tu B’shevat-related activity, and learning during story time. Everything we make will be donated to the LaSalle Backus Education Campus, a school where over 50% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
We request a $20 per family registration fee to help offset the cost of food and supplies. This program is intended for children ages 3+ but everyone is welcome. Please note: we will be using products that contain gluten, raisins, and dairy. No nut products will be used.
The project is taking place at LaSalle Backus Education Campus, located at 501 Riggs Rd., NE, Washington, DC 20011. The school is a 10-15 minute walk from the Fort Totten Metro Station (green line). There is limited parking at the school but street parking is plentiful.
Pre-registration is required for this program, and we expect it to fill up quickly! Click on the “Tickets” button to continue to registration.
Questions? Contact Sonya Weisburd at sonyaw@edcjcc.org or Darya Watnick at daryaw@edcjcc.org
This program is presented by the EDCJCC’s Community Service, GLOE Youth & Family, and Family Engagement Departments
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 distributed to over 88 social service agencies by DC Central Kitchen, our program partner.
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 $7.00 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.
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 have a respiratory or stomach ailment, for health safety reasons, please volunteer another time.
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.
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 distributed to over 88 social service agencies by DC Central Kitchen, our program partner.
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 $7.00 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.
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.