Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

The Chessed Project, a new initiative for high school teens, is kicking off with the school year. Teenagers will be able to volunteer monthly by partnering with various humanitarian organizations throughout the year. The Chessed Project was created by the Cteen directors of Maitland and South Orlando, to provide teenagers with meaningful and valuable volunteer opportunities.

Teens, especially during their high school years, are looking to discover where their passion is and which avenues they should pursue after they complete high school. With these monthly volunteer opportunities, the students can fill the community service hours they need for school while also experimenting in various fields to see if they truly connect to it.

One month the teens will be hosting a party for sick children in the hospital, the next they can help in an animal shelter, and another time they can work on a food drive for less fortunate families. Allowing teenagers these opportunities opens their eyes and hearts to the world around them. They develop a sensitivity to those with less and become appreciative of what they have. At a time when so much comes instantly and without worry it is important to provide teenagers with the chance to realize that not everyone has it all, and the ability to help those in need. The Chessed Project’s first event is Sept. 6. To get your teen involved, or to find out more information contact Cteen@jewishorlando.com.