The Jewish Community Relations Council and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis are partnering to collect new children’s books for children in Ferguson and North County. Donors are encouraged to enclose a note of encouragement in the donated books. Donation may be dropped off at (or mailed to) the JCRC: 12 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63146.

The JCRC is also seeking volunteers are needed for the JCRC/Community Against Poverty (CAP) children’s early development project, Helping our Community’s Children Flourish. The program focuses on improving the physical conditions at area early childcare centers in under resourced neighborhoods (primarily in north St. Louis City and North County). Volunteers are sought for work at “God’s Creation Center,” an early childcare and after-school program located at 5474 N. Kingshighway Boulevard. Volunteers will paint classrooms at the center so it will continue to meet Missouri State Licensing requirements. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Painting will take place on Sunday, Dec. 14 and Sunday Dec. 21, from noon to 4 p.m. each day. No prior experience is necessary. Volunteers are requested to bring their own paint brush, rollers, trays and tarps if they have them. 

To sign up and for more information, contact Gail Wechsler at [email protected] or 314-442-3894.