NCSY GIVE WEST: Day #8
We started off on a high on Day #8 with early morning chaburas, followed by chessed at the Garden of Palms nursing home. What an opportunity we had to interact with and learn from the elderly residents, all charged with great stories to share and words of wisdom to pass on to our girls. We led a fun trivia game, visited and shmoozed, sang classic Jewish songs and oldies and danced away for the residents. The home was so appreciative of the smiles, energy, and readiness to #GIVE we brought with us! Where we went next had long been awaited . . . the Grove! The girls enjoyed walking around the popular outdoor shopping center. We had a professional photographer meet us at the Grove and had a blast of a photoshoot all together. Once we finished shopping and relaxing, it was back to chessed for GIVE WEST! We headed to LA’s Jewish Federation building and divided in two to service two different amazing organizations. One group went to the Zimmer Children’s Museum to help prepare materials for an art project for the children. The museum hosts interactive educational workshops, activities, and events for children ranging from newborn to six years old. Next door, our second group folded, sorted, and organized all kinds of baby products – bottles, clothing, toys, and more – at Baby2Baby. The girls watched a video and learned the organization handles over 231,000 donations to provide for these innocent, deserving babies whose parents or, oftentimes, single parent struggle to provide for them. It felt so amazing to accomplish so much chessed all in one day! We left with smiles on our faces and held them strong to continue our photoshoot from earlier at the beautiful Rancho Park. We davened mincha under the trees, hopped back onto the bus, and arrived as the sun was setting over the water at Santa Monica Pier. There’s nothing like LA Burger’s Bar for dinner overlooking the beach, completed by an awe-inspiring sunset and that salty California breeze. We walked the pier and enjoyed all of the fun touristy attractions. We played games, won prizes, and rode the great old-style rides. Another amazing day on GIVE WEST!