DURHAM -- Hundreds of volunteers came out to celebrate Mitzvah Day in Durham and surrounding areas on Monday. The annual day of giving back by the Jewish community is aimed helping to say thank you to the community.
Perri and her 15-year-old daughter Leel were up bright and early making breakfast for the hundreds of fellow volunteers who were joining them for Mitzvah Day.
“Today of all days, it is right after Hanukkah and it’s Christmas, and people are all about presents,” said Perri Shalom Liberty. “To me the biggest present I am giving to my kids is to show them the good in people.”
Mitzvah Day is all about giving back, with volunteer projects that include everything from cooking meals to making toys.
“One of the core Jewish values is tikkan olan,” said Jill Madsen, the Levin JCC Center CEO, “which means repairing the world. And making it a better place. And what a better place to do it when many people are off, its winter break, businesses are closed to gather people to do good for the broader community.”
But this just isn't for the Jewish community; the JCC has opened its doors to anyone who wants to give back.
“I have a seven year old and I really wanted her to know that Christmas wasn’t just a time of waking up and getting lots of stuff,” said Melissa Scales, a Durham non-Jewish resident. “But it was a day to give back and be with the family.”
And that family element is what is so important to many who spent the day volunteering.
“This is one way we can help the community as a whole and then for our whole family, really impress upon our daughter the importance of community and service,” said Sydney Miller, a Durham resident who was volunteering with his whole family.
With well over 500 people taking the time to give back this Mitzvah Day, the volunteers say it is something they look forward each year.
“Absolutely,” says Eric Lipp, who was volunteering with his daughters and wife. “I mean, I am off work, and I get up early. And it’s not a problem to wake up early and be able to come and help out.”