Now located at 3500 W. Peterson Ave. while The Ark’s permanent home on California Ave. is closed for construction. Learn more.

Give back while becoming a Jewish Adult

Mitzvah Projects

Give back while becoming a Jewish adult. When you choose The Ark for your mitzvah project, you support local Jewish individuals and families in need.

MAZEL TOV!

 

Your b-mitzvah marks a milestone, and giving back is the best mitzvah of all.​ The Ark’s Volunteer Department will partner with mitzvah students to uncover creative ideas and activities with the most interest and with opportunity to help our Jewish community in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

 

When you choose The Ark for your mitzvah project, you support local Jewish individuals and families in need.

Getting Started

1

Meet with our Volunteer Coordinator to decide which project is right for you.

2

Use social media, texts or email to get others involved.

3

Ask your school and synagogue to get people informed and involved.

4

Plan a visit to The Ark.

Project Options

  • During school breaks or on days off of school, volunteer to work in the Ark’s food pantry to sort donations, stock shelves and distribute food to Ark clients.
  • Sponsor and volunteer at a weekly Café Ark, The Ark’s community monthly dinner program for clients.
  • With the help of a driving adult, deliver food packages to clients who are unable to come to The Ark to receive their food. This can be done in conjunction with working in the food pantry or by itself.
  • Help with grocery shopping for a client who is unable to get to the store.
  • Collect food for our pantry

  • Deliver food on Thanksgiving morning to The Ark’s clients.
  • Help set-up and serve lunch at The Ark’s annual Chanukah Party on the Sunday before Chanukah.
  • Sponsor a family and purchase Chanukah gifts for our clients through The Ark’s Chanukah Gift Wishes program.
  • Volunteer to deliver Mishloach Manot to clients on Purim.
  • Work with your congregation to pre-sort food donations at your synagogue for The Ark’s annual High Holiday food drive. This helps us ensure that food close to its expiration date is distributed immediately.
  • Help The Ark prepare for our annual High Holiday food drive by labeling and stuffing the 15,000 grocery bags that are filled by generous donors each year.

  • Rent Ark centerpieces and Bima Baskets filled with food items for your b-mitzvah and have the proceeds benefit The Ark’s pantry.
  • Speak about your volunteer experience at The Ark in your b-mitzvah speech.
  • Ask guests to donate to The Ark in honor of your b-mitzvah. An outreach kit will be provided for you.

Thank you for your interest

Please contact us for more information about mitzvah projects.