5,000 Expected for Day of Volunteering

More than 5,000 volunteers will spend Sunday helping others--from preparing meals to painting to giving blood--as part of Mitzvah Day ’99.

Organized by the Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance, the day is set aside for tikkun olam, literally “repairing our world,” in Hebrew.

“The fall is the beginning of the Jewish year so this gets people on track for doing good things throughout the year,” said Barbara Creme, director of the federation’s Jewish Community Relations Committee.

Among the 120 projects involving 44 synagogues and organizations will be beautification projects at the North Hollywood Regional Library and Dixie Canyon Avenue School in Sherman Oaks, cherry tree planting at Lake Balboa, cleanup at Topanga State Beach and blood and bone marrow testing drives

While 1,500 sack lunches are being made at Temple Judea in Tarzana, a large contingent will be participating in the CROP Walk for Hunger starting at 12:30 p.m. at Temple Kol Tikvah in Woodland Hills.

In addition, a Community Awareness Fair providing information from local public agencies and nonprofit groups will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Valley Beth Israel, 13060 Roscoe Blvd., Sun Valley.

Call (818) 464-3219 for referrals to projects that need extra help.