Through a wide array of activities from all aspects of the Mickve Israel membership, we are very active within the Savannah community from our Sisterhood to our Social Action Commitee, just to name a few.  

Our Social Action Committee is involved in a variety of projects within our community.  Some of our main programs are highlighted below.

Backpack Buddies 

It was September of 2008 when our Social Action Committee asked the congregation to consider helping with the Backpack Buddies Program.  And that you did!  During the school year we were able to provide needy students at East Broad Elementary School with backpacks filled with complete meals for the weekend.  For those involved, the program was very rewarding.  We were even featured in Reform Judaism magazine as a successful temple initiative. 

In a twenty week period prior to February of 2010, Mickve Israel’s Backpack Buddies program provided 1,152 weekend meals for 51 students at East Broad Elementary School and 7 students at Coastal Georgia Academy containing a minimum of the following items:

  • 2,304 vegetable containers 
  • 2,304 lunches 
  • 2,304 dinners
  • 1,152 small boxes of cereal
  • 1,152 Pop Tart packs or instant grits or breakfast bars
  • 2,304 cartons of milk 
  • 2,304 cartons of juice
  • 290 twelve oz. jars of peanut butter packed with sleeves of crackers.

The work force that makes this happen consists of approximately 350 man hours and 70 children hours.  

In addition to the dedicated volunteers, the program has only been possible because of your generosity with both food and monetary contributions.  Backpack Buddies depends upon your continued support.

We have already become a model for others in our community.  Please keep the fire burning!

Backpack Buddies Book Drive

In March of 2010, a gently-used book drive was held at East Broad Elementary School at which each student received one free book.  Additional books could be purchased for $.25.  We collected between 1,500 and 2,000 for this very successful event! 

L.O.V.E. Mentoring

This program offers another way to be of service to students in need.  Consider the benefits of becoming a math or reading volunteer at East Broad Elementary School.  After a brief training period, you will be matched with one student.  What a rewarding experience this will be!

Congregations in Service

Since 2004, this interfaith group representing a diversity of Savannah congregations has been coordinating one-day volunteer service opportunities at various venues.  Members of Mickve Israel participated in a variety of projects in November of 2009 and again in April of 2010.    

For additional information on any of these social action activities, please send an email referencing your area of interest and you will receive a response.