Our congregation began its close relationship with Vare-Washington Elementary School (at 5th and Federal Streets) in 2006. We have tutored students, run book drives, developed an after-school photography program, led a biweekly library program, created a multi-pronged food assistance program to support school families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and organized annual holiday mitzvah projects that have provided hundreds of coats, scarves, hats, and gloves for students from kindergarten to eighth grade and thousands of dollars in gift cards for families to purchase essentials.
To join our group of committed volunteers or to find out more information about opportunities to support our neighbors – the school is just 15 minutes walking distance from the synagogue – please reach out to Vare-Washington Elementary School Committee co-Chairs, Diane Harrison or Flora Wolf, at varewashington(at)societyhillsynagogue.org.

Winter Clothing and Gift Card Drive for Vare-Washington Elementary School Families

We are collecting new and lightly worn winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. Hats, scarves, and gloves are needed for preschoolers through 8th graders. This year, due to a grant received by the school, we are looking for coats only in certain sizes:
  • 4 Toddler
  • 5 Toddler
  • Adult size coats for Middle School students, sizes S – XXL
Please drop off donations at the synagogue in the labeled bins in the first-floor gallery of the Paula Kline Learning Center. If donating used clothing, kindly ensure that it has been washed beforehand.
Additionally, we are raising $3,000 to purchase gift cards for families to use for essentials and to supplement the supply of coats. Please click here to donate and note “Vare-Washington Coat Drive.” Our collection will run through November 22.
If you have any questions, please email Joan Roller at varewashington(at)societyhillsynagogue.orgTodah rabah – thank you very much for your support!