The 21st annual December 25th Day of Service, endorsed by Washington Nationals,  was an all-day event where over 1,000 volunteers participated in a variety of service projects at 60 different social service agencies throughout the metropolitan area from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The project served over 10,000 underprivileged people.

As with years past, the Washington DCJCC made a special effort to reach out to the interfaith community to join them in the day of service. The event has always included people of many faiths and ethnic groups.

Scheduled activities included visiting pediatric units in hospitals, preparing meals for area soup kitchens and delivering donated gifts to homeless shelters.  Volunteers also gave blood, painted walls at local community shelters, and spent time with children and seniors—filling in so other caregivers could celebrate Christmas with their families.

“The December 25th Day of Service encourages the community to come together through volunteer initiatives,” said Project Director Lavinia Balaci. “We give the gift of service to those who need it most, on one of the days when it means the most.”

“Everyone can celebrate service,” said Balaci. “People come together for the greater good of the Washington community regardless of race or religious affiliation. Our volunteers give the most important gift of all—their time and caring to people who need some special attention on December 25.”

Every year, in support of this program the Washington DCJCC is collecting donated toys and toiletries, as well as new gloves, hats, scarves and socks to give to thousands of homeless and other needy people on December 25. From Dec. 15-24, they can be dropped off at 1529 16th Street, N.W. in the Washington DCJCC's Q street entrance.

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The goals of the Washington DCJCC are to preserve and strengthen Jewish identity, heritage, tradition, and values thorough a wide variety of social, cultural, recreational and educational programs and services.

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