O'Side JCC's day of giving lifts spirits

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

The Barry and Florence Friedberg Jewish Community Center, in Ocean-side, put actions to the words of the man they were celebrating last week when they conducted their MLK Day of Service to bring people in the community together at a time when it’s difficult to impossible to gather as one.

“People are feeling very isolated,” said Gloria Lebeaux, the JCC’s director of social services. “They’re feeling that they have no personal connections or contact with anyone.”

The community center celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day through education and charity meant to unite people, despite the difficulties presented by the coronavirus. While volunteers were preparing gift baskets for delivery to those in need, children and their families were taking part in a virtual project to learn about King and his mission.

Lebeaux discussed the importance of starting conversations with children early on about how people should treat one another, so they understand the impact they can have on their world. “Can they talk to a friend in their class and be nice to them and lend a hand if someone is sad?” she asked. “Can they help their neighbor who’s elderly to carry their groceries?”

Roni Kleinman, the JCC executive director, kicked off the virtual program by reading about King’s story and legacy to an audience of children, ages 2 to 10, accompanied by their families. The participants then received a picture of two hands together, which they filled with words to describe what they wanted to do to change the world.

In the early afternoon, volunteers delivered tote bags to families in Oceanside, Lynbrook, Baldwin, Rockville Centre, Long Beach, and Island Park. They included snacks, a greeting card and a Stop & Shop gift card valued at $75. The tote bags were made from T-shirts donated by community volunteers and JCC staff members.

Glenn Fuchs, a board member and volunteer, helped with the deliveries around Oceanside, and noted how vital the day was to fostering a caring community.

“We’re a community center. It’s our responsibility to help people, and of course during this time, it’s even more important to help,” he said. “MLK Jr. Day is just a perfect day because of all the amazing work he did, not only for people who were suffering, but for people in general, and we hope to lead by example.”