Following the grand opening of Mitzvah Circle’s newest warehouse at 435 Doylestown Rd. in Lansdale, current volunteers and staff advocate for helping the disadvantaged.
The new location offers opportunities for people to give back to the community.
Mitzvah Circle is a non-profit organization that aims to support individuals in the community facing financial challenges.
Their staff and volunteers collaborate to provide families in difficult living conditions with essential items that government aid does not cover.
According to volunteer coordinator Jordan Powell, the grand opening in late October was a success, with a significant turnout.
“We had about 400 attendees,” Powell said. “We had a lot of former volunteers and current volunteers who support us and we’re very grateful that they came.”
Powell said the orchestrated move from their former Norristown location to the current Lansdale location was in the works for a while.
“It is something that we had been planning for quite some time,” Powell said. “We are so fortunate to have our new space.”
According to volunteer coordinator Ryan Duncan, the purpose of their new location is to serve people on a larger scale.
“The purpose behind buying this place is that we will be able to help more people from it,” Duncan said.
The non-profit organization thrives on volunteers and donors.
Some of these volunteers call attention to the importance of volunteering.
Volunteer Carol Cemini, who has been volunteering with Mitzvah Circle for the past few years, feels that her work at the organization is “meaningful”.
“It is very meaningful work,” Cemini said. “It’s helping people that really need help in a concrete way.”
Volunteer Phillis Steinfeld finds the time she spends helping out at Mitzvah Circle to be rewarding.
“It makes me feel good to help people in need,” Steinfeld said. “I am very fortunate that I don’t need care from Mitzvah Circle.
Additionally, Steinfeld advocates for younger students to partake in volunteering.
“Come on out to Mitzvah Circle,” Steinfeld said. “You should absolutely learn what it’s like to give back.”
Duncan feels similarly.
“It is really important even if you don’t always feel like you can make a difference,” Duncan said. “You are needed here.”
According to Powell, there are many ways that students can get more involved in the community.
“We have a teen ambassador program here, “ Powell said. “It is a great opportunity for high school students to meet new people and teaches them a variety of skills.”
The teen ambassador program specializes in building skills in leadership, public speaking, and more.
“It teaches them critical thinking, responsibility, and many major skills too,” Powell said. “We often see students who complete their first year come back and volunteer until they graduate.”
Duncan highlights the importance of younger volunteers.
“A lot of nonprofits like having high schoolers around because you guys are young,” Duncan said. “You have more energy and bring a different perspective.”
The Mitzvah Circle plans to hold several fundraisers and food drives.