Roughly 100 volunteers from the Jewish community are helping to run a summer day camp for 45 children of new Americans at the International Institute of St. Louis. Last week the children, ranging in age from 5 to 13, were treated to a petting zoo at the camp, which runs through Aug. 3.

The camp was organized by the Jewish Coalition for New Americans (JCNA), a committee of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). Synagogues whose members are serving as volunteers include Congregation Shaare Emeth, Central Reform Congregation, Temple Israel and United Hebrew. The camp is sponsored by the Millstone Foundation, Mobile On-The-Run, Cruisin USA and many generous individuals.

 The JCNA, in collaboration with the JCRC’s Jewish Fund for Human Needs, is fundraising for new American needs.  Currently, the International Institute has issued an urgent plea for emergency funds due to a complete halt of government funding.  If you can help, send a check to the Jewish Fund for Human Needs, 12 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 with new Americans as the memo.  The contribution will be made in the name of the St. Louis Jewish community.