Thanksgiving mitzvah

One of the Hebrew Academy’s oldest Thanksgiving traditions involves elbow grease and lots of canned yams.

The Huntington Beach school’s Parent Teacher Organization works with each classroom to assemble baskets of Thanksgiving staples, which benefit needy families in the area.

“We’ve probably been doing this for more than 10 years,” longtime school secretary Melanie Alkov said. “It teaches children the meaning of mitzvah.”

The term “mitzvah” originally referred to the commandments listed in the Torah, but now can mean any expression of human kindness, or good deed.

“I think kids always feel good bringing in canned foods,” Admissions Director Alexandra Greenberg said, while her son Noah, 7, helped count money and prepare baskets with her. “It’s more tangible than cash.”

Parents called friends, family and neighbors to solicit basket donations. Kids in the school’s second and third grades made cards for each basket.

“We’re really proud of the program, and the finished product is just beautiful,” Alkov said.

Rather than focus on just stocking the staples, the parents decorated the nine baskets with harvest-colored silk flower bunches that could be used as centerpieces. Tablecloths were carefully placed in each; plastic flatware sets were tied with ribbon.

“The generosity of our parents has been amazing,” Greenberg said.

The nine baskets will be distributed to organizations like Temple Beth David in Westminster and Jewish Family Services.

Although each basket is filled with kosher ingredients, they won’t necessarily end up in Jewish households, Greenberg said.

In addition to a food item, each child brought in a dollar bill to help with last-minute shortages. This year, the families were so generous that money was left over to be put with each basket’s card.

“We have very benevolent donors,” Greenberg said. “One rabbi gave us five turkeys. It’s amazing how this came together.”

WAYS TO SERVE

Thanksgiving’s here, but it’s not too late to get involved. Here are some opportunities to help out this holiday season.

 The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to distribute food and toys, or hold their own food and toy drives. For more information, call (714) 832-7100. To host a drive or volunteer at a distribution site, ask for Nora.

 Beach Cities Interfaith Services, 525 Main St., is seeking volunteers from Dec. 9 to 23 in its “Christmas Store.” Volunteers will help clients who have appointments to select presents for their children, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For more information, call (714) 969-4462.

 Helping Hearts collects unused food from grocery stores and restaurants, for distribution to the needy. A Huntington Beach-based couple run the organization, and are always in need of volunteers and donations. For more information, call (714) 840-6000 or e-mail rayanderica@helpinghearts.us.