Leah Silver is preparing to become a Bat Mitzvah, a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony that signifies becoming an adult and a part of the Jewish community at age 12-13. Part of the tradition is a Mitzvah project – usually a project of the student’s choosing to give back to the community. Leah, a student of Jewish Kids Group, knew she wanted to do something special for her Mitzvah project, where she could do something hands-on and help many in the community.
Leah became interested in the connection between the Jewish community and the Black community during the Civil Rights Era. Many Jews supported the Civil Rights movement in Atlanta, attending protests and working to integrate the city. While on a trip to the Breman Museum to learn more about Jewish involvement in Civil Rights, Leah learned about the Ben Massell Dental Clinic. The clinic a leading community health center and was undergoing integration. The clinic served white and black patients and integrated Black volunteer dentists.
Students Giving Back
She decided to dedicate her Mitzvah project to serving the clients of BMDC. Leah reached out to Megan Koziel, Volunteer Engagement Manager, for help on designing a project. Leah created hygiene kits for patients, containing vital products like shampoo, razors, feminine care products, and soap, in addition to oral hygiene products. The patients at BMDC are all within 125% of the federal poverty line, and several of them of them are homeless. Personal hygiene products can be expensive, but they are vital for health and wellbeing.
Leah and her grandfather delivered over 100 hygiene kits to the clinic, with separate men’s and women’s kits. Along with essential products, each contained an inspiring quote from Maya Angelou – “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud”.
We are so grateful to supporters like Leah who donate supplies and materials to the clinic. Our patients are so thankful to receive these essential items and feel empowered to care for their health and wellbeing.
Want to create your own hygiene kits? Download our project guide here to get started!