Ordinarily, when you give to a food pantry, you drop cans into a bin or deliver them in boxes. There’s no personal touch. Women’s Connection of Jewish Federation has made a significant change in this process, with its Personal Care Item Shower to help stock the shelves of the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry. The organization is inviting the public to bring shampoo, bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors and toilet tissue to the event, then help pack grocery bags of toiletries and insert personal notes from Women’s Connection. The Personal Care Item Shower takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 at the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur

“The Food Pantry is in dire need of personal care items,” explained Stephanie Ludmer Gross, one of the event co-chairs. “They are more expensive than cans of food and less likely to be donated. Also, food stamps won’t pay for these items, so the need is great. That’s why Women’s Connection decided to sponsor the Personal Care Item Shower for the Food Pantry.”

While working to make a difference right here in St. Louis, participants can shmooze while being treated to wine, cheese and dessert. The cost is $12, plus your gift of personal care items.

“You’re doing something really important, and at the same time a sense of camaraderie develops among the volunteers. It’s a wonderful time to be part of a human chain of interaction.” Gross added.

In addition, Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg of United Hebrew Congregation will talk about the experiences of St. Louis Jewish families during the current economic crisis and our responsibility as Jews to help those in need. Patty Bloom, director of admissions and marketing for Saul Mirowitz Day School-Reform Jewish Academy, will explore the issue that in these hard times, help is here for everyone through Jewish Federation.

Chairing the “shower” with Gross are Dr. Rachel Oiknine and Sarah Wallis, with vice chairs Debbie Polinsky and Judy Zisk Lincoff.

To reserve a place, register online at www.jewishinstlouis.org/womensconnection by March 26 or send a check payable to Jewish Federation of St. Louis, 12 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis Mo. 63146. For more information, call 314-442-3729.

CABARET SINGER MARILYN MAYE has made more recordings than Heinz has beans. She has been an entertainer for seven decades, starting as a child in Kansas. Recently she celebrated her 80th birthday. Just weeks before, at New York’s famed Town Hall, she was awarded the 2008 Critics’ Nightlife Award as the Outstanding Cabaret Vocalist of the year.

Maye appeared as Johnny Carson’s guest on The Tonight Show 76 times and had a standing invitation from him to come on the program whenever she was in New York or Los Angeles. “Marilyn is a supremely elegant jazz singer, a deeply moving torch bearer and the funniest, most natural ad libber in nightclubs,” said Jim Dolan, executive Director of Cabaret St. Louis.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Maye for yourself when she appears at The Cabaret at The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Boulevard at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20.

Her music director, Billy Stritch, also performs with Christine Ebersole and Liza Minelli. Tickets are $40 each and available at 314-534-1111 or www.MetroTix.com.