By Judith Saks 

 West End Synagogue’s Social Action Day had been on hiatus during the pandemic but made a strong comeback this year. On Sunday morning, April 3, more than 80 WES volunteers, including teens from Beit Miriam, along with adults, helped six Nashville community organizations serve local and international needs, from food insecurity to homelessness to medical issues.  

One group prepared the ground for planting vegetables at the Urban Farm and Mill Ridge gardens which provide fresh produce for The Nashville Food Project. Others prepared dinner for 65 homeless men in the Room in the Inn program or helped sort clothing and books for homeless students through the MNPS HERO program. Still others sorted medical supplies for clinics in developing countries at Project CURE or removed hazards from trails and invasive plants from Percy Warner Park.  

“We shelved books, sorted shoes, filled backpacks with much needed school supplies and clothing AND we left there feeling great,” said Melinda Cohen of the group helping the MNPS HERO program. “Volunteering helps others, but also provides a lot to the volunteers.” 

As a result of their introduction to these organizations, some of the volunteer made arrangements to continue their work in the future.