07/10/2017
Volunteering as a Family
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The Vilensky family of Solon is passionate about volunteering in Jewish Cleveland. Seth and Emily, as well as their two children, give of their time wherever they can. “It is sort of a win-win because we can spend time together and do something to better the world,” they said. “We know that many activities and organizations cannot run without the help of volunteers.”
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Jewish Volunteer Network (JVN) provides many opportunities for all ages to help around the city. The Vilensky’s look for activities they can do as a family. “We particularly enjoy volunteering at the Kosher Food Bank where we’re able to organize and pack up food that is later distributed to individuals in need in the Jewish and general Cleveland community. Our children also like to participate in Montefiore’s ‘Interact with Bubbies & Zaydees’ program – they can ‘adopt’ a grandparent, host an ice cream party, call bingo, make a craft project, and create wheelchair/walker bags to give to residents.”
Seth and Emily encourage their friends and family to volunteer, because it shows their children the importance of helping others and how good it makes you feel. “We volunteered in college and in Chicago before kids, so when we moved back to Cleveland, it was a priority to get involved. We want to help in the community, but also we want to teach our kids about tikkun olam (repairing the world). Our kids enjoy being a part of any opportunity geared specifically for younger children.”
For information about volunteer opportunities through JVN, contact Susan Hyman at 216-593-2887 or shyman@jcfcleve.org.
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