Zoe Shacham

Congregation B’nai Amoona

Zoe wanted to help the cancer patients at Children’s Hospital feel better about themselves, or in her words, “feel happier.” After doing some research, she realized that she was too young to volunteer at the hospital, so she decided to collect and donate hats to the kids.

Daughter of Limor and Eyal Shacham of Creve Coeur, Zoe placed a collection box for new hats in the lobby of her school, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School and at B’nai Amoona. She also wrote an article about her project in the school newsletter, calling it Zoe’s Hat-Mitzvah.

Although Zoe didn’t count the number of hats she received, the boxes were totally full. The week after her bat mitzvah, she dropped off the hats to Children’s Hospital. Zoe was very excited and touched that she had the chance to give to children who are sick and make them feel happier.

Melody DeWeese, certified child-life specialist at Children’s Hospital, said the hospital was extremely grateful and the hats were put to good use.

Mitzvot from the Heart is compiled by Editorial Assistant Elise Krug.