In September of 2021, Mitzvah Moms founders Gina Krouse of Lampeter and Gena Harting of Strasburg announced that there would be a Mitzvah Kids program for children age 5 and above. By completing good deeds, Mitzvah Moms members strive to set an example for their children. They aim to teach their children how to show kindness and look for ways to love their neighbors. The first Mitzvah Kids project that launched the new program was a sock drive, and it was led by 6-year-old Josiah Krouse.
After participating in a winter clothing drive for the homeless community in the early months of COVID-19, Josiah knew the project he wanted to lead as a Mitzvah Kid would help homeless children.
Josiah partnered with PJ Library of Lancaster representative Lauren Gerofsky to provide new socks to students in transitional living in the School District of Lancaster. After realizing that he could only get 30 pairs of socks for $30, Josiah decided to use that money to purchase donation bags for recipients to fill with socks. Josiah and 15 other Mitzvah Kids visited various neighborhoods in Lancaster County and collected 1,348 pairs of socks.
"The concept is repetition," explained Gina. "If you show them how to organize fundraisers to help others, they know how to do it as they get older and know the power that not just one person has but a whole collection of people has."
Gina noted that the goal is for each Mitzvah Kid to plan a project that interests him or her, and the rest of the members will assist with the project. For 2022, Mitzvah Kids members Elaine and Fiona intend to partner to lead a baked goods and popsicle stand to collect monetary donations for the Mitzvah Moms care packages. This project is slated for May. Ryder Harting, age 8, intends to lead an Earth Day cleanup event in April. Tate, age 10, plans to lead a service project that will benefit the autistic community, and Zoe, age 8, hopes to oversee a service project that will impact the refugee community.
"I am so proud of Josiah and how this project has helped build his compassion for people in the community," stated Gina. "He is so social. He's a social butterfly. It was very exciting to see him use his natural skills in a positive way to impact our community at the age of 6."
Registration for the Mitzvah Kids program is currently open. The registration fee goes toward pins for each project a Mitzvah Kid participates in, a wall hanging for the pins, and supplies for projects. Although the program is intended for children age 5 and older, younger kids can sign up, but a parent will be more involved. Following CDC guidelines, monthly gatherings will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg. The day and time of the meetings is to be determined.
For more information about Mitzvah Moms and Mitzvah Kids, readers may search for "Mitzvah Moms" on Facebook, visit https://mitzvahmomsrock.weebly.com, or email mitzvahmomsrock@gmail.com.
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