Congregation Young Israel, in partnership with the American Red Cross and the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food pantry, will host an event aimed at collecting food and recruiting blood donors to help those in need during crucial winter months. This marks the third year for the St. Louis Jewish Community Blood Drive. The drive is endorsed and supported by the Jewish Social Action Network.

Bob and Judy Hellman started the blood drive as a chesed project that everyone in the community could participate in and benefit from. Additionally, the American Red Cross has a community outreach program called Heroes in Training, geared toward educating elementary and junior high school students on the importance of blood donation. This year, four local Jewish elementary and high schools will participate in the program.

The holidays can be particularly difficult for the hungry, as well. The food pantry has seen a huge increase in the number of hungry mouths to feed. Sue Rundblad, Program Coordinator for Community Outreach & the HKJPF, asks that people simply pick up a few extra items the next time they make a trip to the grocery store, and bring them to this food drive. Items needed most include canned fruit, canned tuna, peanut butter, soup and rice.

Aside from blood donation, community members can also volunteer and work where needed the day of the drive. Babysitting will be available for those with small children. This charitable event is open to anyone who would like to participate, regardless of religious affiliation, and will take place from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17 at Congregation Young Israel, 8101 Delmar Boulevard. To schedule your appointment, visit www.givelife.org (sponsor code YIJS) or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. Walk-in donors are welcome, but appointments will take priority.