On Sunday, April 7, over 1,000 volunteers completed 50 service projects in 23 locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area as part of JUF’s Good Deeds Day, a global day of service born in Israel. The Chicago effort was coordinated by JUF’s TOV Network, the organization’s volunteer network that aims to help repair the world.

The day featured open houses at local community centers, synagogues, and non-profit agencies where volunteers of all ages could stop by to participate in hands-on service projects. The projects included making pet toys for shelter animals, writing letters to those affected by a natural disaster, making fleece blankets for the homeless, decorating flower pots for senior citizens, and more.

“Good Deeds Day is an incredible opportunity for volunteers of all ages to come together and make an impact in so many meaningful ways all over the Chicagoland area,” said Rachel Stein, event chair. “Knowing that Good Deeds Day is happening worldwide is an inspiration to all who take part in it and highlights the important value of Tikkun Olam– repairing the world–in Chicago, in Israel, and around the world.”

“It is incredibly powerful to be part of a global movement happening in 100 countries around the world,” said Marissa Comin, TOV’s Assistant Director of Volunteer Services. “I love seeing people’s excitement in collectively doing good. Despite what may be going on in the world, this event reminds us that we can work together to make the world a better place, one good deed at a time.”

Good Deeds Day first launched in Chicago in 2015 as a pilot program with the support of TOV and JUF’s Israel Education Center, as well as six local Hillels. In 2016, the movement gained even more momentum with the support of JUF’s Breakthrough Fund, a grant given to innovative programs in the Jewish community, as well as the sign-on of the Jewish Teen Alliance of Chicago and BBYO.

TOV serves as JUF’s connection point for people who want to give back through hands-on volunteering. In accordance with tikkun olam, the Jewish concept of repairing the world, TOV connects members of the Jewish community with rewarding volunteer opportunities that best meet their interests and needs.

For more information on TOV opportunities throughout the year, visit juf.org/tov.

Chicago’s Good Deeds Day is made possible by JUF, The Wagner Foundation, BBYO, and JTAC.