Beth El's food drive honors MLK's legacy

Beth El - The Heights Synagogue (BETHS) will sponsor a food drive in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Sunday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All donations will go to the Heights Emergency Food Center.

In addition to food donations, checks made out to the Heights Emergency Food Center will be welcomed. Donations of money enable the center to purchase large quantities of food at a discounted cost. Donations of food are also appreciated, as they help meet a more immediate need.

Those wishing to make a donation should simply drive up to BETHS, at 3246 Desota Ave., any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Someone will be there to collect the donations—there will be no need to get out of the car, or be inconvenienced in any way.

Each year, Beth El has been able to donate more food and funds than in previous years, and would like to beat last year’s record in collecting donations for this good cause. According to Scott Wachter, past president of the synagogue and chair of the drive, BETHS has always been committed to the Heights neighborhood and to social action. He stated, “It is fitting that we honor Martin Luther King Jr. by trying to alleviate hunger. In his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Dr. King asked, ‘Why should there be hunger and privation in any land, in any city, at any table when man has the resources and the scientific knowhow to provide all mankind with the basic necessities of life?’”

This year's food drive is one of several joint initiatives between the synagogue and Boulevard Neighbors, a group of residents in the BETHS vicinity who have joined together to improve the area.  As a member of Boulevard Neighbors, BETHS often hosts meetings at the synagogue.  For additional information, call the ynagogue at 216-320-9667 or send an e-mail to info@bethelheights.org.