OWN CORRESPONDENT
Mitzvah Day, an annual day of faith-based social action celebrated internationally, was founded by Laura Marks in the United Kingdom in 2005. It is showcased in South Africa by the UJW.
A plethora of toys and books for children aged between 3 and 18 spilled out of a number of shopping trolleys. Where there were insufficient goods in any of the age groups, the money (in lieu of toys) generously donated by members of the community and the general public filled the gaps.
A few Grade 9 St Stithians College pupils, who were completing their community service, volunteered to wrap the gifts for boys and girls in different coloured paper with the age group clearly marked on each.
At the close of the day, about 370 Christmas presents had been wrapped for children at the Alexandra Township Aftercare Centre (run by the UJW); for children from Pimville and Riverlea; and an extra 40 gifts were earmarked for children in an identified informal settlement. The balance of the large number of books which were not used will be donated to the Johannesburg General Hospital Paediatric OT Department.
Mitzvah Day is one of the many highlights on the UJW calendar, and each year, a new and exciting project is undertaken. This year’s project will bring Christmas happiness to so many children who otherwise would not be celebrating their special day.
