CHERRY HILL — More than 400 volunteers participated in the second annual Mitzvah Day at the Catholic Community of Christ Our Light on Oct. 22.
“Christ Our Light lent a helping hand to some 30 human service agencies in Camden County,” said Anne Landau, publicity chairwoman for Mitzvah Day. “It coincided with National Make a Difference Day.”
Mitzvah is a Hebrew word meaning command but in common usage it has come to mean to do a good deed.
Pat Slater, pastoral associate for Justice and Community Outreach at the parish, said more than 50 people donated blood.
The volunteers helped at homeless shelters, nursing homes, inner-city schools, and soup kitchens, among other places. In addition coats and blankets and cell phones for soldiers and recycled electronics were collected. Children also made personal hygiene kits and cookies for the homeless, according to Slater.
“Most of the volunteers met at the parish and carpooled to their various destinations,” she said. “Others went directly to their sites.”
Landau said eight refugee families and their 20 children went to the parish hall for a “meet and greet” where they mingled with one another, met parishioners, and the children played games. They were sponsored by Camden Diocese Refugee and Immigration Services. Kaitlyn Muller is program director for Catholic Charities.
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