Volunteers are urged to sign up in advance for projects. The goal for 2010 is Total Community Involvement including non profits, faith communities, businesses, local clubs, organizations, school groups and individuals from throughout the community.

Susan Barrington explains, “Mitzvah Day engages people of all ages, from 7 to 107. Everyone who can, gives.  Everyone who needs, gets.  At the end of the day, the entire community is transformed.” 

2009 projects included planting and cleaning up gardens, caring for pets at the Humane Society, helping at the food bank, washing windows for seniors, crafts and other projects indoors and outdoors in Sedona, the Village, Cornville and Cottonwood. Over 500 volunteers accomplished 30 projects. In 2010 the goal is 600 volunteers tackling 40 projects.

The term mitzvah, from the Hebrew word for “commandment,” has come to express acts of human kindness. “November 14, when we are in a spirit of Thanksgiving, is a perfect time to reach out to our whole community in the spirit of caring,” according to Rabbi Magal.

Volunteers sign in at St. John Vianney, 180 Soldiers Pass Rd., 11:45AM-12:30PM. Following a blessing on the day’s work, volunteers go to project sites and return to St. John Vianney at 4:00PM for a community gathering, sharing, food and the opportunity for video interviews, a new teen project.  Volunteers are asked to donate canned and packaged goods for food banks.

Mitzvah Day is made possible by donations and grants from faith communities, organizations, businesses and individuals. To make a donation, to register your non-profit organization’s project, or to register as a volunteer, contact Barbara Litrell 649-0135 or blitrell@aol.com.