MITZVOT FROM THE HEART | BAR AND BAT MITZVAH PROJECTS

Cousins help stock Kids Community Closet

Jaime Goodman, from Congregation Shaare Emeth, and Maggie Katzman, from Central Reform Congregation

Attending the JCRC's Community Against Poverty Volunteer Fair last March at the JCC helped cousins and best friends, Jamie Goodman and Maggie Katzman, choose their mitzvah project.

"We walked through all the booths getting ideas and the one that really made us feel like we could make a difference was the "Kids Community Closet". We spoke with Nancy Weigley, Program Director for National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), about our ideas and she had some of her own. We then met with her after school one day and narrowed it down to where and what we wanted to do," recalled Jamie.

Kids Community Closet, an extension of the National Council of Jewish Women's Back-to-School! Store, delivers brand-new clothing, coats, school supplies, etc. directly to qualified children right at their schools. This means that NCJW can serve hundreds or potentially thousands more students each year. They meet the evolving needs of the children as the seasons change and they outgrow their clothes, in addition to making a difference in their daily lives and help them succeed in school.

Jamie and Maggie hoped to fill a closet in an inner-city school with clothing and school supplies that they felt no child should have to go without. "When I heard about kids having old and stained clothes at school, I thought it was really unfair that some kids get to have nice new clothes and some do not. I was excited when I learned about NCJW's Kids Community Closet because I thought it would be a great way to help less fortunate kids feel better about themselves," said Maggie, daughter of Hilary Skirboll and Mark Katzman.

Jamie and Maggie wanted to stock not just part of, but an entire closet. During this past summer, friends and family were asked to donate new clothes or a Target gift card. They spent one evening decorating a large, pink plastic box to be used for the donations and shared at each of their bat mitzvahs. Around the box was painted "Jamie and Maggie's Community Closet."

After raising $1,500 in gift cards and many articles of clothing, Jamie and Maggie discussed the specific needs of "their" closet with NCJW and then spent a day shopping at Target to get these items. They also donated part of their bat mitzvah money to go towards the purchase.

Jamie, daughter of Laurie Katzman & Mark Shyken and Rick & Jackie Goodman, said, "After visiting the school, seeing the children we were helping, and actually opening the 'Kid's Closet,' I really felt like we were doing a wonderful mitzvah for these less fortunate kids. It was really a journey from the original idea we had, all the way to the delivery of the clothes. It made me feel really good to wave to the kids, smile at them, give them a 'high five,' or even just a wink." Jamie is currently in seventh grade at John Burroughs School.

Maggie, a seventh-grade student at Wydown Middle School, said, "I felt happy that I was able to help kids who are less fortunate. I was excited to go to Target and pick out new coats and clothes for our closet. My friends and family were so generous. Thanks to their support, I think we made a big difference."

NCJW is currently partnered with the Wellston and Ferguson-Florisant School Districts, having a total of three closets. They hope to open three more closets in the coming spring, with the goal to partner with 30-plus schools.

Since the children get to keep the clothes they are given, the closets are replenished as needed. If you are interested in making a donation in Jamie and Maggie's honor, NCJW would prefer money, however gift cards to Target or Walmart are always appreciated. They only take new clothes (no red or blue as they are gang colors) for the Kids Community Closet, as used clothes end up at the resale shop. Donations can be dropped off at the NCJW office at 8350 Delcrest , first floor of the Corwn Center. Or, you can contact Nancy Weigley at (314) 993-5181.

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