Mitzvah Day Reflection: Marsha Austin

Marsha Todd Austen (a non-Jewish guest who heard about Mitzvah Day, and wants to replicate it for schools):

Dear Laurie, Thank you SOOOO much for letting us visit Mitzvah Day yesterday. What you do there truly is a mitzvah, and an inspiration. I’ve organized a lot of school and service events over the past several years, and I’ve never seen anything like this: Truly every single detail shines out with the thought, energy and love you and your community put into it. I’m sure you are exhausted and resting after such an enormous effort and achievement! I, on the other, was wide awake in the wee hours. Seeing the way you organized Mitzvah Day left my head swimming with all the possibilities. I’m so energized and inspired by seeing you in action! You clearly have a passion for the children you are helping. I’m sure you've touched many people with what you are doing and that your efforts have lifted the hearts of the youths receiving your beautiful comfort bags. I hope I can come back to you for a little guidance once all we learned and saw yesterday has had a little time to percolate - I'm already starting a list of questions.

ANNUALLY, AT CONGREGATION OR AMI (CALABASAS, CA), WE ASSEMBLE 400+ COMFORT DUFFLE BAGS FOR KIDS GOING INTO EMERGENCY FOSTER CARE. WHEN THE WORLD FEELS MOST SCARY FOR THEM, WE PROVIDE THEM WITH TOYS, GAMES, BOOKS, TOILETRIES, CLOTHING, A NIGHTLIGHT, A BLANKET AND MORE. EACH BAG INCLUDES AN INDIVIDUALIZED, ARTISTICALLY-DRAWN WITH A CARING SWEET DREAMS MESSAGE. THIS MITZVAH DAY NOVEMBER (WE RUN 2 OTHER MITZVAH DAYS) BRING HUNDREDS OF JEWISH FAMILIES TOGETHER FOR MEANINGFUL SOCIAL JUSTICE WORK. BE INSPIRED HERE.