Volunteer Connection: Long-distance Mitzvahs

Jun 1, 2020 | Article

Volunteer Connection: Long-distance Mitzvahs

Look (no further) for the helpers
JEWISHcolorado’s Senior Engagement Marketing & Events Manager Beth Danilson has presided over the Volunteer Connection since its launch in February, shortly after the state issued a stay-at-home order. In that time, her volunteers have made hundreds of chesed calls and shopped till they dropped for community members who need groceries delivered. 

In the last several weeks, Shop & Drop volunteers have made over 50 grocery store runs, with a significant number of recipients signing up for repeat runs. Kavod Senior Life Director of Health and Wellness Mandie Birchem said of the program, “It’s been such a help to our community members. They love that the volunteer shoppers go out of their way to accommodate preferences and that they will even go to more than one store to find an item on the list. On behalf of all of us here, thank you.”

Grocery deliveries are also being arranged by those who are out of state but who have vulnerable family members living in Denver. A New York City resident shared the following: “JEWISHcolorado’s professionals and volunteers are providing such a valuable and important service during this very challenging time. They are organized and efficient and have shown great kindness and generosity. I live out of state; they’ve made it possible for my mother to get the groceries and other things that she needs. My interaction with the program volunteers, by phone and from a distance, has been so positive—it means so much to me.”

If you are interested in volunteering, or if you or a family member needs help, please visit our Volunteer Connection page.