MAY 25 • 2023 | 33

B

rothers Ron and Steve 
Elkus are this week’s 
Volunteer(s) of the 
Week, nominated for their work 
with JARC. 
The brothers have been 
involved with JARC for several 
decades in many capacities. 
Most recently, they have 
assisted with Flower-a-thon, 
an annual event in May when 
volunteers help plant flowers 
and beautify the outdoor spaces 
at JARC homes. 
Both now retired after 
successful careers in retail and 
dentistry (Ron owned the men’s 
clothing store The Shirt Box 
for 40 years; Steve ran Mirror 
Image Dental Lab for 29 years), 
the brothers have made time to 
give back through it all.
When their mother passed 
away over 25 years ago, one 
of the first things the brothers 
did was set up the Irene 
Elkus Good Times Fund. 
The fund is exactly what it 
sounds like: doing fun activities with 
JARC residents, including boat rides, 
hayrides, Purim celebrations and more. 
The fund continues to this day. 
“It’s a great way to remember our 
mom in a positive way and celebrate 
good times with JARC,” said Ron, also a 
past JARC board member. 
 Ron has fond memories of helping 
with the person-centered planning of 
JARC resident Richard Graff. 
“He was the best. I remember if I 
was in a bad mood, all I had to do after 
work on my way home was call Richard 
and he would tell me jokes,” Ron 
recalled. “I loved kibitzing with him.” 

Many years ago, Steve bought a 
sukkah for JARC’s Epstein Home. He 
would frequent the home as he got to 
know the guys there.
The brothers have also helped lead 
JARC Passover seders, bingo events 
with Hillel students and JARC residents, 
and a variety of other offerings.
A running joke the brothers recall 
is whenever Steve shows up and Ron 
isn’t there, the first thing the JARC 
residents do is ask where Ron is and if 
Ron is coming. If Ron is there and Steve 
isn’t, the first thing the JARC residents 
do is ask where Steve is and if Steve is 
coming.

Both brothers agree they get 
more out of their interactions 
with the JARC residents than 
the residents do themselves.
“It’s unconditional love. The 
minute you walk in, they can’t 
wait to run up and give you a 
hug or say hi. Every time they 
see you, it’s like the first time 
they’ve seen you,” Steve said. 
“It’s such a good feeling. And 
it’s such a good feeling that 
you’re doing something so 
positive.” 
The desire to give back and 
acting on it for several decades 
is something passed down to 
the brothers.
“I can say we got a lot of it 
from our parents. They were 
always involved, always willing 
and wanting to help out. They set a 
great example,” Steve said.
 Among other things, the brothers 
have also helped out with Jewish Family 
Service and National Council of Jewish 
Women’s Kosher Meals on Wheels as 
delivery drivers. 
“I feel it’s our responsibility as Jews 
to take care of our own,” Ron said. 
“It’s always been instilled in us that 
it’s something we have to do and want 
to do. It’s just part of our culture and 
upbringing.” 

To get involved with JARC, contact Jessica Tierney at 

Jessicatierney@jarc.org or (248) 940-2607.

Ron and Steve Elkus have been involved with JARC 
for several decades now. 
Brothers Making a Difference

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

VOLUNTEER(S) OF THE WEEK

LEFT: Ron and Steve Elkus with 
JARC residents Caryn Martel, Kayla 
Lisee and Julie Boesky. 
BELOW: Phil, Ron, Jeannie, Gail and 
Steve Elkus enjoying a JARC boat 
ride sponsored by the Irene Elkus 
Good Times Fund in 2019.