Activity Description:
Students will create handmade thank-you cards to express appreciation to donors and supporters of the Shalom EC.
This project helps students develop empathy, gratitude, and community awareness while supporting a local nonprofit organization that serves children and families through educational and cultural programs.
Cards may include original artwork, drawings, or photographs created by the student, and must feature the words “THANK YOU.” All cards must be appropriate, positive, and respectful. No Christmas Trees, please.
Service Tasks:
Design and create 10 handmade thank-you cards.
Include a “Thank You” message on each card.
Decorate the cards using personal artwork, drawing, or photography.
Deliver completed cards with envelopes to the Bender JCC on the specified date.
Learning Objectives:
Students will:
Demonstrate civic responsibility by supporting a nonprofit organization that benefits the local community.
Express gratitude and empathy through creative and meaningful communication.
Develop artistic and organizational skills by creating and preparing cards for a community initiative.
Date and Location:
Drop-off: Sunday, November 23, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Address: 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852
Student Participation Details:
10 cards = 2 SSL hours
Maximum of 5 student volunteers
Students must create their own original designs — no AI-generated art allowed.
Supervision and Verification:
On-site Supervisors: Natalia Nesterova, Vera Kastrel (Program Coordinator, Shalom EC)
Email: shalomecmd@gmail.com
Students will receive SSL verification by email or once cards are reviewed for completion and quality at drop-off.
Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.
