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Mitzvah Day: JFS pupils sent packing to aid rough sleepers

Three Jewish schools involved in Jewish/Catholic project to provide essentials for the homeless

November 17, 2019 11:06
Pupils from JFS, Sacks Morasha and Etz Chaim joined with kids from six Catholic schools for a Caritas Westminster and St Vincent de Paul Society project to pack winter essentials for rough sleepers 1 - by Yakir.jpg
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JFS, Sacks Morasha and Etz Chaim pupils took part in Mitzvah Day’s biggest schools project, working with Catholic charities and schools to support the homeless.

The primary and secondary school children engaged in the “Vinnie packs” initiative, packing bags of cold weather essentials for rough sleepers. They worked on a production line, alternately preparing the goods and packing.

The event began with an “ice breaker” activity where the pupils discussed what items they thought rough sleepers would need in different countries and climates.

It ended with a reflective session where pupils wrote personal messages to be inserted into the packs, which will be distributed to homeless charities around the UK.

The event was overseen by Mitzvah Day’s interfaith chair Lady Daniela Pears, its interfaith adviser Rabbi Jeff Berger and Catholic Church clergy and leaders.