December 25: Kindness the J Way

At the Merage JCC, December 25 looks a little different, and that’s exactly the point.

While many enjoy a day off, our community chooses to make it a day on: a day of service, connection, and kindness. Each year, JCC Cares Day of Service transforms our campus into a hub of giving, where families, individuals, and volunteers of all ages come together to uplift others and live our values in action.

From the moment volunteers arrive, the energy is unmistakable. Our outdoor pavilion fills with laughter, purpose, and meaningful work as participants rotate through hands-on service projects designed for all ages. Children, teens, parents, grandparents, and first-time volunteers work side by side; packing, cooking, creating, and giving back.

Each year, our projects support our most vulnerable neighbors and local partners, including:

• Making meals for people experiencing homelessness
• Packing food boxes for seniors
• Baking treats for firefighters and shelters
• Filling stockings with toiletries
• Collecting toys for children
• Sharing kindness with community heroes

The impact is powerful and tangible.

Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, December 25 is always filled with meaningful outcomes and heartfelt moments:

• More than 600 volunteers give their time
• 350 sack lunches prepared for people experiencing homelessness
• 800 hot holiday meals cooked for shelters
• 600 food boxes packed for seniors
• 800 stockings filled with toiletries
• 100 toys collected for children
• 1200 treats baked for firefighters and shelters

Each number represents more than an item delivered—it represents care, dignity, and connection.

JCC Cares Day of Service is about more than what we give, it’s about who we become when we give together. It’s children learning the value of compassion, teens discovering leadership through service, and adults modeling what it means to show up for others.

It’s also a reminder that the JCC is not just a place for programs; it’s a place for purpose and community.

Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who helped make this year’s Day of Service so meaningful. Because when we come together with intention, generosity, and heart, kindness becomes contagious and community grows stronger.

Interested in getting involved with JCC Cares? We’d love to have you join us because there’s always room for more kindness the J way.

Contact Heather Zucker for more information on how to get involved with JCC Cares.