YOUNGSTOWN Center to host Project Shalom

The project is part of the JCC's 50th anniversary celebration.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Jewish Community Center will host Project Shalom, a family and community service day, from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the center on 505 Gypsy Lane.
Center President Cynthia Kravitz said Project Shalom is an opportunity to support those in the community who are less fortunate, to spend time with family and friends to learn how to make a difference in the world, and for "all people to create change in our community through our hands, through technology, through our hearts and through our actions."
Project Shalom will serve as the kickoff to the JCC's yearlong "50 On Gypsy" celebration, marking the 50th anniversary of the construction of the Gypsy Lane facility in 1954.
Background
Founded in 1935 in a house on Bryson Street on Youngstown's North Side, the JCC has addressed the needs of children, teens, adults and senior citizens. Today, the mission of the JCC, a United Way agency, is to create and maintain a standard of excellence in the areas of social, cultural, educational and recreational programs for its members of all ages. Kravitz said that in recognition of the 50 years of service on Gypsy Lane, Project Shalom will provide participants with an opportunity to perform 50 meritorious and selfless acts on behalf of others in need.
To date, more than 20 area organizations have confirmed their attendance at Project Shalom. These agencies will facilitate hands-on projects to benefit those in need, assist in finding year-round volunteer opportunities, provide venues for participants to make their voice heard, via the Internet, on numerous socially relevant topics and provide opportunities for the collection and distribution of much needed items, she said.
The Project Shalom event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Betzy Weinblatt, JCC program director, at (330) 746-3250, Ext. 136.