The TBA "New" Midnight Run Rides Again

The Temple B’nai Abraham’s (TBA) “New” Midnight Run, the distribution of donated clothing and food to those in need in Newark’s community at St. Anne’s Church, took place on the Sunday of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This annual event, sponsored by TBA Teen Tikkun Olam Group was preceded by a month–long food and clothing drive/collection at the temple.

On the morning of the Midnight Run, at temple, the students packaged and sorted the abundant amount of food, clothing and blankets which were generously and overwhelming donated by the TBA congregational family as well as local businesses and restaurants. Then under the supervision of Director of Jewish Learning Melissa Weiner, Jewish Learning Program Special Projects Coordinator Arleen Lichtenstein and Rabbi Kulwin, (who drove the 26-foot truck packed to the gills with the donated items) and parent volunteers, the students were transported to Newark. The teens assisted in distributing food, baby items, clothing, coats and household goods to the over 350 people in need who came to the church location. This was triple the amount of recipients from previous years and a sign of the times of the growing need in the community.

Director Melissa Weiner noted, “Through meaningful interactions with patrons of the New Midnight Run, students gain insight and understanding about the way each of us can contribute to those in need. This yearly Thanksgiving weekend program inspires the young people to recognize that poverty and need is a chronic problem facing our country.”

Pictured:
TBA Teen Tikkun Olam Co-Presidents sorting some of the donated clothing at the temple in preparation for the distribution to those in need at the church.
2- TBA Teen Olam members helping with the distribution of the donated items at the church.