Kids Do Good Deeds in ‘Mitzvathon’

To learn the true value of a mitzvah--the Jewish tradition of good deeds--kids at the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Center in West Hills created greeting cards and designed T-shirts for sick children.

They were taking part in the first annual Mitzvathon sponsored by the Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles.

“We wanted to help,” said Lauren Klein, 10, of North Hollywood, one of about 20 kids involved in the Valley effort, which also produced gift baskets for Russian immigrants.

The event was tied to the 19th annual Super Sunday fund-raiser held by the Jewish Federation Council.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Lauren, preparing to decorate a T-shirt, because of “the enjoyment of actually helping someone.”

Helena Rosenthal, 9, of North Hollywood said she liked “knowing our stuff will make some people feel better.”

Some children in the Mitzvathon were with parents working the phones for the Super Sunday fund-raiser. At the West Hills community center alone, at least 120 volunteers were at the phones soliciting pledges from members of the organization.

By midafternoon, the West Hills group had raised more than half a million dollars, said Jonathan Cookler, president of the San Fernando Valley Alliance of the Jewish Federation Council.

The council is trying to raise $5 million in its one-day effort. One-third of the funds raised goes to oversees agencies handling rescue and relief efforts, Cookler said.