My Social Action project…..

By Margot Sechler

My parents, Betty and Gil Sichel,  taught me how to live life by doing.  They were always active in Social Action at the Temple where I grew up.  And so I have always felt that this was not an option, but an activity that is an integral, key part of my life. 

Each year when I travel for my job or vacation I collected the hotel toiletries – shampoo, soap, and more.  By the end of the year, I have quite a collection.  One evening in December, each year, I make gift bags with the toiletries, tea, and hot chocolate – then bring the gift bags to the Houston Area Women’s Center.  The women and children who reside at the Center arrive there usually with just the clothes on their back.  They go there when there is no option, when they need to leave their home because of abuse.  So these gift bags are truly welcomed at the Center.  This year, I asked my Mother, Betty Sichel, to join my effort and knit scarves.  She devoted herself to knitting women’s and children’s scarves – they were beautiful.  On Sat., Dec. 12, I delivered the toiletries and the wrapped scarves to the Center.  In the lobby there was a line of women and their children waiting to be admitted.  Most of us cannot imagine being in this position, alone with no place to go.  On these cool days, these scarves, knit with love will be a welcome, warm hug.

Now to my challenge – I challenge each family to do a year long Social Action, Mitzvah project.  You may think that this will take a lot of time, but it does not…..  AND it will make you feel great!  Here are some simple suggestions that will make a difference:

Save your newspapers and take them to Citizens for Animal Protection (on Katy Frwy)

Save your magazines and bring them to a nursing home every month

Clean out your closet and and make your Mom happy!  Then donate books, games, and clothes to a shelter (Star of Hope, Salvation Army, to name a few)

Give of your time – there are many places that need help.

Save Hotel  toiletries and give them to me for the Dec. 2010 Holiday Women’s Center donation.

Tell us about your Social action project and we will share  them during the year.