Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it is time to start thinking about helping out at the Mercy Home this Christmas. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this “minchag,” our Jewish community volunteers to run the 24 hour domestic violence shelter from 2 PM Christmas Eve until 5 PM on Christmas Day while the staff spend time with their own families. Anyone is welcome – training is provided. The only stipulation is that a male does not volunteer himself – he must volunteer with a female due to the sensitive nature of domestic violence on women. Because this is a “secret shelter” the location of the shelter will be provided to you closer to Christmas.

We usually volunteer for 3 hour shifts starting at 2 PM on 12/24 through 5 PM on 12/25. I have a few volunteers already lined up. Here are the shifts that I need:

• 12/24: 2 – 5 PM FILLED
• 12/24: 5 – 8 PM
• 12/25: 8 – 11 PM
• Overnight from 11 PM to 8 AM (you can usually sleep as long as you keep the phone nearby in case there is a call)
• 12/25: 8 – 11 AM FILLED
• 12/25 11 AM – 2 PM
• 12/25: 2 – 5 PM

Please contact me (Wendy Weissman) at 868-5712 or at wendy@weissman.com with any questions or to sign up.

Hope to see you there!

Wendy Weissman