Congrats to our May Volunteer of the Month: Michelle Stern! We couldn't do what we do without the help of our incredible volunteers like you.
Michelle has been a dedicated volunteer with TOV for the past 2 years. This year Michelle was a part of our Good Deeds Day Committee. We wanted to get to know Michelle a little bit more, so she answered some of our questions below.
1. How did you first get involved with TOV/JUF?
My first involvement
with JUF was as a representative from the South Cook section of the National
Council for Jewish Woman. Every summer, Alene Rutsky (of JUF) and I work
on the School Mitzvah project together. We generally fill 15-20 backpacks
for Jewish families in need of supplies for the upcoming school year.
When TOV was looking to extend Good Deeds Day into the south suburbs,
Alene put JUF in touch with me. It has been a fabulous experience working
with the TOV community on Good Deeds Day for the last few years. It is a
wonderful way to get people thinking about service and giving back to the
community on a more regular basis.
2. What makes it important for you to volunteer with TOV/JUF?
TOV’s (tikkun olam) mission to “repair the world” speaks to me. If everyone that is able could give a little of their time to work on their little corner of the world, it could be a very different place. Funding is necessary and important, but, if able, so is donating your time. I also think it is great that TOV offers opportunities for every age group.
3. Are there any fun facts about you that we might not know?
The word
"mondegreen" refers to a misunderstood or misinterpreted word or phrase resulting from
a mishearing of the lyrics of a song. Mondegreen is a great word! I love to sing. I sing songs that I have
been listening to for years and I rarely know the words. So, I make them up.
It works for me.
We are so lucky to have Michelle as part of our TOV family! To learn more about JUF's important work in the community, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation in Michelle's honor, please visit our website.