The Marjorie & Lewis Katz Jewish Community Center has announced the launch of Tzedakah 360, a new yearlong community service initiative designed to turn Jewish values into action through monthly volunteer projects throughout 2026.
Rooted in Jewish values, tzedakah (צְדָקָה) is often translated as charity, but it means much more than that. In Jewish tradition, tzedakah is a moral obligation – a responsibility to help others, strengthen our community, and work toward a more just world. It’s about doing what is right, ensuring dignity for those in need, and showing up for one another.
The initiative positions the Katz JCC as a hub for hands-on service that reaches in every direction—supporting individuals, families, animals, veterans and the environment across the region. The 2026 Community Service Calendar outlines one project per month, encouraging sustained engagement rather than one-time acts of service.
“Tzedakah 360 reflects who we are as a JCC and what we believe our role is in the community,” said Marg Rosenblatt, Chief Executive Officer of the Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC. “This initiative invites our staff, board members, families and neighbors to show up for others consistently, with compassion and purpose. Small acts, done together, can create meaningful change.”
The initiative kicked off in January with a Pet Pantry Drive, collecting food, blankets and essential supplies for the Humane Society of Atlantic County (HSAC). Participants were given the HSAC’s wish list and were also encouraged to create simple homemade dog toys, adding a personal touch to the donations.
In February, the focus shifts to hunger relief with Blessing Bags, meal kits prepared for individuals experiencing homelessness. The project is scheduled to align with Random Acts of Kindness Week, underscoring the idea that food insecurity does not end after the holidays. Tuesday, February 17 is the day the community is invited to come and assemble the bags, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Katz JCC’s auditorium.
March will spotlight teens through Project Prom, supporting the local prom dress drive. This partnership helps ensure that all teens can access prom attire and essentials regardless of financial circumstances.
Environmental responsibility takes center stage in April during Earth Month Action, which includes volunteer support and post-race cleanup for the AmeriHealth April Fools Half Marathon & 8K, Sunday, April 12 or volunteer for the Community Cleanup Day on Wednesday, April 22. Educational components for children will highlight sustainability and environmental stewardship.
May’s theme, “Moms, Mitzvahs & Making a Difference,” centers on supporting local women’s shelters. Volunteers will work with the JCC’s Mitzvah Stitchers to prepare donations for neonatal intensive care units and shelters, while a No-Sew Fleece Blanket Day will offer a hands-on service opportunity for staff and community members.
As summer begins, June’s Summer Snack Packs project will address the gap in access to meals when school is out of session. Nutritious snacks and drinks will be collected and packed for distribution through local pantries and youth programs.
In July, Stars, Stripes & Service will honor active-duty military members and veterans through a donation drive. In recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the JCC has set a goal of collecting 250 items.
August’s Backpack Blessings initiative will collect backpacks and school supplies for children in need or in foster care, with handwritten notes added to each bag to offer encouragement at the start of the school year.
September will combine Senior Smiles with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Volunteers will celebrate Grandparents Day by engaging with local senior centers or participating in Color-A-Smile, a nonprofit that distributes artwork to nursing homes. The JCC is also considering offering a free community seminar focused on mental health resources and reducing stigma.
October brings two major efforts: volunteer support for the AmeriHealth Atlantic City Marathon Race Series, the JCC’s largest annual event, and Operation Gratitude, expanding the Early Childhood Center’s tradition of creating goody bags for first responders to include the wider community.
In November, Bags of Blessing will return with meal bags and Thanksgiving baskets for families in need, alongside continued support of JFS’s annual food drive.
The year will conclude in December with Gifts of Joy, sponsoring holiday gifts for children in foster care and hosting a festive community wrapping day.
Serena Franks, the JCC’s Marketing and Public Relations Manager, is helping to spearhead the rollout of Tzedakah 360, emphasizing the importance of participation across generations.
“This initiative is about showing up month after month and modeling values through action,” Franks said. “Whether someone can give an hour, a donation or a handwritten note, there is a meaningful way for everyone to be involved.”
Community members interested in participating in Tzedakah 360 will be able to find monthly project details and volunteer opportunities through the Katz JCC throughout the year. For more information, contact Serena Franks at 609.541.7223, ext. 117 or email sfranks@jccatlantic.org.
