Drawing on the strength of the Jewish community, more than 800 volunteers will gather for UJA-Federation of New York’s annual Super Sunday phone-a-thon on Sunday, January 29, to raise money that helps care for people in need, inspire a passion for Jewish life and learning, and strengthen Jewish communities around the globe. And as part of the volunteer activities, over 120 teens in Westchester will be sorting and packaging food donations to help replenish local food pantries.
With calling centers in Manhattan, Westchester, and Long Island, UJA-Federation volunteers will call people who have given in the past, thank them for their support, and ask them to once again donate money to benefit the organization’s global network of more than 100 beneficiary agencies and programs. Whether it’s helping a Holocaust survivor in Kiev receive a warm bowl of soup, helping a child with autism feel welcome and included in her synagogue community, or making it possible for vast numbers of young Jews to participate in Taglit-Birthright Israel, these programs make a difference in the lives of millions of people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Super Sunday not only raises money, it also serves as a way to bring together different communities from the New York metropolitan area. From lay leadership, to agency staff and volunteers, to Hillel students, to the Russian presence, this event emphasizes the importance of community involvement and dedication.
“Super Sunday exemplifies UJA-Federation’s successful efforts at addressing the needs of and caring for the Jewish community both here and abroad,” said Ilene Marcus, a Super Sunday chair and chief of staff at the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty. “It demonstrates community building and philanthropic commitment that sets an example for younger generations of Jews.”
“Each of us can help in our own individual way, but when we leverage our collective voice, we can multiply our impact and truly make a difference in the lives of everyone in need,” said Alex Budnitsky, a Super Sunday chair and CEO and executive director of the Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst. “Super Sunday is an opportunity to showcase the good we can do when hundreds of people come together with the shared goal of making life better for millions of individuals and families throughout the world.”
To volunteer in Manhattan at the UJA-Federation of New York, 130 East 59th Street (shifts are 9:30 a.m.–12:00 noon and 12:30–3:00 p.m.), please contact Bruce Weiser at 212-836-1844 or weiserb@ujafedny.org.
To volunteer on Long Island at the UJA-Federation of New York, 6900 Jericho Turnpike in Syosset (shift: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) contact Mary Resnick at 516-677-1893 or resnickm@ujafedny.org.