Summer J-Teen Camp kids from Mandel JCC do community service project for Coats for Kids

CLEVELAND - Tzedaka, the Hebrew word for charity, is one important part of the Mandel Jewish Community Center's J-Teen Summer Camp. One day each week, these 24 teen campers embark on a community service project.

Camper Rosaland Madorrsky rallied her fellow campers weeks ahead to collect the large quantity of children and teen clothing items and found it very rewarding,exciting and fun.

Although campers enjoy traditional activities like swimming, canoeing, and horseback riding, community service is an integral part to the summer camp curriculum.

Cathy Kantin, supervisor at the J-Teen Camp, explained that kids in this age group need something to do that is both fun and fulfilling. Kantin emphasized that what is learned today transfers into the life skills that will follow the teens forever.

This week, Shoes and Coats for Kids was the recipient of their help, with the campers sorting and boxing the many bags of clothing that they had collected over several weeks.

This just wasn't a reason to clean out their closets but the beginning of a journey into a lifetime of community service. The teens said they truly understood that the needs are many for those without and that this project is fulfilling that purpose while also being done with joy.

Other community service projects have included packing lunches for the Cleveland Foodbank and planting flowers at the Hebrew Cultural Garden.