Counting down to Maccabi Games in St. Louis, host families, volunteers needed

The JCC Maccabi Games (a scene from the opening ceremony of the 2012 games shown above), taking place in St. Louis July 31 to Aug. 5, still need many volunteers and 400 host families.

The Jewish Community Center of St. Louis is seeking host families and volunteers for the 2016 JCC Maccabi Games in St. Louis, July 31 through Aug. 5. Find more information on both below: 

• Hosting: About 125 host families are still needed. Host Families offer athletes a “home away from home” while they’re in St. Louis. Host families will feed their athletes breakfast each day as well as dinner on the night of the opening ceremonies. They will provide morning and evening transportation each day, a place for the athlete to sleep, assistance with laundry  and the unique Jewish experience the community offers. They will also plan their own evening social activity for the athletes on Host Family Night, Wednesday, Aug. 3. Host families need not have teenagers already in the home — families with young children and empty nesters make terrific host families! Host families must register online at https://maccabistlouis.org/registration, after which further instructions will be sent to them. Each host family will receive an official Maccabi program guide with competitions and bus schedules as well as host family credentials that allow them to watch the competitions. For more information, call Sheree Werner at 314-442-3433 or visit maccabistlouis.org/maccabi-games-host-an-athlete. Families may also fill out an online form to receive more information: https://maccabistlouis.org/vounteer-at-the-st-louis-maccabi-games.  

• Volunteering: The 2016 JCC Maccabi Games will require hundreds of volunteers. From sports to administration to transportation, there are opportunities that fit potential volunteers’ interests, talents and availability. Volunteers are urgently needed for a variety of assignments (day and evening) the week of the games. Volunteers must be at least 17 years old and do not need to be a member of the J. For more information, visit https://maccabistlouis.org/vounteer-at-the-st-louis-maccabi-games/ or fill out a form and someone will be in touch with more information.