Article Contributed on: 11/2/2009 5:49:46 AM
Every once in a while, Jeffco Action Center receives a donation that is so unique and caring that it stands apart from other donations. Recently, a young woman from Evergreen came to the Action Center with one such donation.
Francesca's "Fish-raiser" as she called it was part of her Mitzvah celebration. For this special occasion, she decided to collect more than 350 cans of tuna fish for the Jeffco Action Center food bank. Tuna was donated by members of Franny's four communities - Congregation Beth Evergreen, Evergreen Middle School, Kinetic Arts Dance, and Evergreen School of Music. Kings Soopers, Safeway and Vitamin Cottage (all located in Evergreen) also contributed. Tuna provides a valuable source of protein for clients, but has a long shelf life so it can be stored conveniently for distribution.
This year, the need for Jeffco Action Center services is great due to the poor economy and high unemployment rate which is pushing more Jefferson County families to the brink of poverty. Already, the Action Center has hit a 22-year high for services and is delivering record amounts of services each day. For more information on how you can help support the Action Center, please visit www.jeffcoac.org or contact them at 303-237-7704.
Mitzvah is a Hebrew word that is sometimes translated as "good deed" but the actual translation is "commandment". Bat means daughter; therefore a Bat Mitzvah means "daughter of the commandment". A mitzvah project is part of the Bar (son of) or Bat Mitzvah process.
It is because of the special community support such as Francesca's "Fish-raiser" that Jeffco Action Center is the place where action matters.
ABOUT JEFFCO ACTION CENTER
Jeffco Action Center, a human-services non-profit, provides an immediate response to basic human needs and promotes pathways to self-sufficiency through intervention, prevention and connection to essential services. More than 25,000 Jefferson County residents receive assistance annually at the Action Center with food, clothing, homeless shelter, medical and utility assistance. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the Action Center gives help, provides hope and builds dignity while breaking the cycle of poverty. For more information and to make donations please contact Joe Haines at 303-237-7704 or visit us at www.jeffcoac.org.
Story submitted by Tim Esterdahl, Communications Coordinator, Jeffco Action Center.