For the past three years, children and adults have gathered at WRT’s Mitzvah Fair—aptly named Bring More Light Into This World—to connect with local agencies, learn about social action opportunities, and participate in hands-on projects that make a difference. This year, instead of one day of light, WRT will host a Mitzvah Week, from January 11 through January 19, 2026. Throughout the week, volunteer both at WRT and on location at partner organizations in our local community. The week will culminate on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—a national day of service and volunteerism.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
| Date | Event Information |
|---|---|
| Sunday, January 11, 2026 | AT WRT: MRJ Annual Blood Drive, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm Mitzvah Corps T-Shirt pick up, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Eagles Autism Foundation, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Hearts & Homes for Refugees, 11:30 – 1:00 pm |
| Monday, January 12, 2026 | Feeding Westchester Food Pantry, 9:30 am – 11:00 am HOPE Community Services Community Kitchen Dinner, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm |
| Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | Meals on Main Street Rescuing and Sorting Food, 9:00 am – 10:00 am WJCS Yonkers Food Pantry, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | HOPE Community Services Food Pantry Give Out, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm |
| Thursday, January 15, 2026 | Cooking Soup with the ECC for Midnight Run |
| Friday, January 16, 2026 | Mitzvah Week Pre-Neg, 5:30 pm Families with children of all ages are encouraged to attend! |
| Saturday, January 17, 2026 | Grassroots Grocery Produce Party, 9:00 am – 11:00 am Midnight Run Sorting and Packing Party (at WRT), 11:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| Sunday, January 18, 2026 | |
| Monday, January 19, 2026 | Grow Torah and Westchester Parks Foundation MLK Day Litter Clean Up, 10:00 am – 11:00 am or 11:00 am – 12:00 pm |
9 am – 1:30 pm at WRT
MRJ’s Annual Blood Drive
Donating blood is easy and takes less than an hour!
1 donation can save up to 3 lives! Check back for sign up information!
11:30 am – 1:00 pm in the WRT Lobby
Pick up your WRT Mitzvah Corps t-shirt and learn about volunteer commmunities throughout the week.
11:30 am – 1:30 pm at WRT
Bid on signed Eagles paraphernalia and support the Eagles Autism Foundation.
11:30 – 1:30 pm at WRT
Learn how you can help refugees resettle in Westchester County. Meet with representatives Hearts and Homes for Refugees to learn how you can make a difference right hear in Westchester.
9:30 am – 11:00 am at Feeding Westchester,
200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford
Join us in nourishing our neighbors in the fight against hunger by volunteering at the Feeding Westchester food bank!
What to expect:
Volunteers must be 14 years old and up, 12-13 year olds are permitted if accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm at HOPE Community Services,
50 Washington Ave, New Rochelle
Community Kitchen Dinner: This team will volunteer in our Soup Kitchen as packers and servers of to-go meals. Volunteers prepare dinner, serve the guests, and assist with clean up. The minimum volunteer age is 12, and 12-13 year olds must have an adult with them.
9:00 am – 10:00 am at Meals on Main Street, 509 N. Main St., Port Chester, NY
Rescuing and Sorting Food: As a Rescue Volunteer, you will play a vital role in reducing food waste and supporting food-insecure individuals by collecting surplus food from Meals on Main Street partners. The food you help recover will be redistributed to the Meals on Main Street Kitchen for meal preparation or directly to their community pantry. This is a hands-on role that requires coordination, efficiency, and a passion for reducing food waste and hunger.
11:00 am – 2:00 pm at WJCS, 489 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY
Pack bags of fresh produce for distribution to WJCS clients and community members. Age 14+ or 8-13 with parent or caregiver.
8:30 am – 12:00 pm at HOPE Community Services, 50 Washington Ave, New Rochelle
Food Pantry Give Out: This team will set up and distribute food to clients in our pantry. The minimum volunteer age is 12 and 12-13 year olds mut have an adult with them.
9:00 am – 11:00 am at 1750 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY
Join fellow WRT members and community members for a Produce Party! Unpack and sort a truckload of fresh surplus produce. Pack it up and load it into cars. You can also sign up to drive to community drop-off sites run by Grassroots Grocers.
11: 00 – 1:00 pm at Westchester Reform Temple
Midnight Run Sorting and Packing Party: WRT Teens will be taking to the streets for Midnight Run in the evening. Help them get ready by:
Ages 5 and up welcome. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Monday, January 19, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am or 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at Bronx River Pathway, White Plains, NY
Grow Torah and Westchester Parks Foundation MLK Day Litter Clean Up
Park Clean Up: GrowTorah is collaborating with the Westchester Parks Foundation to organize a litter cleanup with the Bronx Reservation. Small groups of volunteers will focus on various sections of the river. Throughout the program, GrowTorah educators will facilitate learning sessions on the importance of protecting our waterways through relevant Torah texts. Westchester Parks Foundation will provide all cleaning materials. Participants should come in warm clothing, reading for the elements (including dirt). This event is rain or shine!
When registering please put “WRT” in the section that asks “How did you hear about this event”
From January 11 – 19, remember to bring the following items for donation to our participating organizations.
Cereal, meals in a can, and pasta for donation to Hope Community Services.
New and gently used shoes of all sizes for The Sharing Shelf
Keep checking back for more information and organizations!
The Mitzvah Fair is made possible by the Social Impact & Community Engagement Fund