GET INVOLVED

Volunteers are crucial to the work of Jewish Family Service in caring for our community. Our staff, and the individuals and families we serve, greatly appreciate the passion and enthusiasm volunteers bring to our programs and services.

Get involved

OUR VOLUNTEERS TELL US…

It is so satisfying for me knowing that I am helping others. One thing I particularly like is speaking to older adults as a friendly phone caller because sometimes I may be the only one they speak to that day.
Jane Pitkoff

I started volunteering at JFS by driving clients. It is important to keep people in their homes and independent as long as possible and this is one way to help accomplish that goal.
Irving Kaplan

Volunteering at JFS gives me the personal satisfaction that I can give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of others.
Clara Bergstein

We are dedicated to the service and inclusion of all members of society regardless of age, gender identity, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or abilities.

Acts of Kindness are a great way to show support for Jewish Family Service and the community we serve. From running collection drives to leading holiday programs, our volunteers give of their time and energy to truly make a difference.

The Send-A-Card Project

Send a Personalized Greeting Card to an Older Adult

Sending a handmade card is a wonderful way to connect with our older adult clients. In the past, this generation primarily communicated through handwritten notes and letters, so your personally-written message will be particularly meaningful.

See “Volunteer Opportunities from Home” below for more information!

Learn More

HOW TO GET STARTED

Volunteers choose how and how often they would like to give of their time. All new volunteers are invited to an orientation session with our Volunteer Coordinator, receiving the information and resources they need to make their experience both successful and rewarding. Call us at 610.821.8722 or contact us if you are interested in getting involved.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMMUNITY

Food Pantry – Client Service
Help provide food and essential items to individuals and families living with food insecurity by supporting our vision that no one in our community should suffer hunger. Volunteers work one-on-one with clients at their monthly appointment to assist in making selections of foods that will best feed their households from the Community Food Pantry. Time commitment: shifts on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Food Pantry – Organizing/Unloading
Be a part of a close-knit team that supports the essential work of our Community Food Pantry. Assist staff in organizing the food pantry, stocking shelves and unloading deliveries. Please note: This is a physical job for people who are comfortable lifting and moving boxes of up to 25 pounds. Time commitment: shifts are available from Mondays through Thursdays with time flexibility.

Holiday Program Facilitator
From Passover to Purim, Rosh Hashanah to Chanukah, Judaism is rife with traditions and holidays. Bring the joy of these holidays and more to older adults living in long-term care residences by providing Jewish ritual and fortifying community connections. JFS will collaborate with you on developing a program and provide you with all the ritual supplies. You will need a basic knowledge of the Jewish holidays, although Hebrew proficiency is NOT required. Time commitment: one hour on a select weekday.

Mazel Meals Delivery
The Mazel Meals program connects volunteers with older adults across the Lehigh Valley through the comfort of a prepared meal. Volunteers will brighten someone’s day while enjoying a brief social interaction when they deliver meals to JFS clients. Many older adults no longer cook for themselves regularly, so the delivery of a ready-to-eat, kosher-style meal is truly a gift. Time commitment: once a month.

Shabbat Outreach Service Leader
Facilitate a monthly modified Shabbat service for older adults living in long-term care residences by providing Jewish ritual and fortifying community connections. JFS furnishes you with a Shabbat service book and ritual supplies to celebrate the holiday with residents. You will need a basic knowledge of Shabbat services, although Hebrew proficiency is NOT required. Time commitment: Select Friday mornings, 1-hour.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FROM HOME

Phone-A-Friend
Research shows that one-on-one social interaction through a phone conversation can help mitigate the effects of loneliness and isolation associated with aging in place. Your friendship and kindness will give a local older adult something to look forward to and make their day! Our Phone-A-Friend program is operated in partnership with SeniorChat. Time commitment: mutually agreed-upon calling times, 1 call per week.

Send-A-Card Program
Sending a personal note is a wonderful way to connect with older adults who are in need of a little cheer. Create your own card using stationery, a handmade creation, or a store-bought card. Letters must be legible, large print and handwritten. Embrace creativity! We encourage you to make your letters detailed, thoughtful and heartfelt.

Here are some wording suggestions to get you started:
– I hope this card fills your day with good cheer knowing that we are thinking of you!
– Sending joyful thoughts your way.
– Hoping this card will make your day! We are thinking of you!
– I hope you are able to look out your window to see the first signs of spring.
– Sending a smile your way, hoping this card will make your day!
– Hello, I wanted to send greetings to you to brighten your day.
– May your day be filled with all kinds of bright sunny things.

This is a one-way letter exchange, meaning you will not receive a letter back.
Sign your first name (if the card-maker is a child, they can write their age in parenthesis). If you are writing on behalf of a school or organization, you can write that too. Feel free to write “Made for you by a volunteer of JFS” on the back or under your signature.

You may mail the cards in a larger envelope or box to:
Jennifer Oxfeld
Volunteer Coordinator
Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley
2004 W Allen Street
Allentown, PA 18104
OR
Drop off your cards at the JFS office Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Oxfeld (volunteer@jfslv.org or 610.821.8722). Thank you so much for making cards for our clients.