September 2017 - Give back to our community!

As the back to school season begins, we are collecting school supplies for children in all grades for the ML Keefe Center. Please leave your donations in the newly designed box in the temple lobby.

We also have a new box for toiletry donations. Please continue to donate new and unused small sample- sized shampoo, conditioner, hand cream bottles for shelters and the soup kitchen.

In addition, we are always looking for volunteers for Tower One/Tower East to work with their senior residents.

We have a few new ideas to try this year and you will be learning more about them in the coming months. Thank you for your ongoing support!

The committee wishes you all a happy and healthy New Year!

Ongoing Programs

M.L.Keefe Center: Back to school means back to needing notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, backpacks and other school supplies. If you can’t purchase items and leave in the box labeled School Supplies near the office, please donate to the Diane Kaplan Social Action Fund and school items will be purchased and dropped off at the Keefe Center for local students. Many thanks. Contact Randi Berns at 203-248-0286.

  • Fresh Fruit Program: Sign up to deliver 24 pieces of fresh fruit to local women’s and children’s shelters. Contact Deborah Wilkenfeld to sign up. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • New Reach (Formerly New Haven Home Recovery): New Reach would always appreciate any toiletries, diapers and baby wipes, towels pillows, bedding and clothing (including scarves, hats and gloves) for upcoming colder weather. Please place in New Reach box at TBS. They are also looking for home furnishings. They may provide pick-up. Contact Fran Parness at 203-484-9506.
  • Tower One/Tower East: Volunteers are needed for the senior residents. Volunteers are welcomed to share a special hobby or interest. You can also volunteer to help during some of the many programs that are planned by the Towers’ staff. Please contact Eta Kaplan at 203-281-3349 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
  • Toiletry Collection for Homeless: We continue to collect toiletries for many agencies. The basket has been filling with your generous donations each week. We still can use new and unused small containers of shampoo, lotions, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc. Many thanks! Contact Jackie Weiss at 203-265-6744
  • Save-A- Suit: We will continue to collect professional work attire for men and women to donate to Save- a –Suit in the fall. The collection date is to be determined. Andrea Smith will be the liaison for this project.
  • Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen: TBS is signed up to work the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen the fourth Sunday of each month. Volunteers are really needed to help serve meals in a congenial manner to clients, along with some light clean-up duties. The dates are as follows: 8/27, 9/24, 10/22, 11/26, 12/24 for first half of the year. The times are from 5:00pm – 7:15pm. If you are available to volunteer for one of the dates or can make a commitment to do more, please contact Gary Drucker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and write DESK in the subject line. The experience is worthwhile and rewarding!! Can be a great Mitzvah for your teens!!!
  • Knitting Project: Thank you to The Knitting Project, which has donated dozens of hats this season for our local agencies! Volunteer knitters are always needed. If you like to knit and want to help out, please contact Helene Meltzer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Place donations in the hallway bins if you are able….if not, make a donation to the Diane Kaplan Social Action Fund. We will do the shopping for you!

Our committee thanks you for your continued support,

Marjorie Drucker, Co-Chairperson: Contact at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 203-248-1046

Debby Pines, Co-Chairperson: Contact at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 203-389-2224