30 | OCTOBER 12 • 2023 J N OUR COMMUNITY W ow, has it been a busy start to the new year! As we settle into 5784, let’s focus on G’milut Hasadim and perform commu- nal acts of loving kindness to help those in need. There are so many ways to lend your support. As Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for vic- tims of domestic violence and sexual assault, HAVEN provides shelter, counseling, advocacy and educational programming to nearly 30,000 people each year. On Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., volunteers are needed to help get the facility grounds cleaned up and ready for winter. Tasks will include weeding, picking up trash and garden clean up. To sign up, email Kimberly at kliepshutz@haven-oakland.org. The Detroit Free Press Marathon 2023 is looking for 500 volunteers on Oct. 15. They accept individual volunteers or larger groups that like to volunteer together. The most pressing volunteer needs are for course monitor volunteers in the downtown section of the course from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. This key position is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the U.S. side of the course on race day. Monitors observe course conditions, including runners, spectators and traffic. Issues that need attention are addressed by the monitors or reported to the proper race authority for reso- lution. An excellent group oppor- tunity is at one of the Relay Exchange locations. Volunteers at those locations help relay teams pass their timing belts to the next runner and ensure the relay team continues along the course in a timely manner. Individuals and/or groups can sign up to register at freepmara- thon.com/volunteer. Join Hadassah Greater Detroit in West Bloomfield to create dolls for children and patients in area hospitals and agencies. Hadassah House’s front room becomes a doll factory. Volunteers cut out pattern pieces for dolls and gowns, sew them together, then dress and stuff the dolls. Some get added hair or hats. Most dolls do not have faces so that children can create them with markers. Medical per- sonnel use IVs, dressings, splints and casts on the dolls to show children what’s going to happen to them during their medical procedures. The Doll Project is open to partnering with other Jewish groups for a community service event. This is a great community service project for middle school and high school students. Upcoming dates: Oct. 16 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. and Oct. 19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sign up ongoing for all sessions at hadas- sahmidwest.org/GDdoll. ADL’s Walk Against Hate is Oct. 22 at the Southfield Civic Center. There is a great need for volunteers to help in the fol- lowing areas: registration, greet- ers, check-in, along the walk route and clean up. Registration begins at noon and clean up should be finished around 2:30 p.m. Students in need of com- munity service hours are wel- come. Interested volunteers can email lbeier@adl.org to sign up. Alana’s Foundation provides influenza education and aware- ness with a focus on offering convenient and affordable flu vaccination options. During flu season, the organization hosts flu vaccination clinics all around the Metro Detroit area. There is a need for volunteers to help attendees input information on mobile devices at the clinic sites. If you would like to help, email info@alanasfoundation.org. Happy Paws Haven Co. is a foster-based, no-kill animal rescue in Royal Oak. The rescue is looking for volunteers to do a variety of tasks, many involving interaction with the animals. Hands-on options include transporting animals to vet appointments and helping with new intakes. Virtual opportuni- ties include helping with social media, screening applications and matching potential adopters with dogs. Happy Paws Haven Co. is also looking for volunteers to assist with location donation pickups. To learn more, visit https://happypawshaven.pet/vol- unteer-page. Kids Kicking Cancer offers evidence-based martial arts therapy to kids while focusing on pain and stress management for pediatric patients, as well as creating resilience and support for otherwise healthy children. Throughout the year, Kids Start off your year by giving your time to a worthwhile cause. Doing Mitzvahs in the New Year Samantha Foon Contributing Writer CALLING VOLUNTEERS Make dolls for ill children with Hadassah. Join Jewish Family Service Nov. 5 for this year’s Fall Fix Up.