The goal of Shoreshim’s Tikkun Olam programming is to be a force for positive social action, charity and healing in the broader community by organizing and engaging our Shoreshim members in social justice work.
Three initiatives have engaged our organization for years:

A Simple Gesture is a bi-monthly food collection program started by Shoreshim in 2015.  It provides food to our local pantries in a manner that makes it easy for everyone to participate.  “You fill the bag, we do the rest.” As of January 2018, over 800 families across Western Fairfax County participate as Simple Gesture food donors. In addition to donating food, many members of the Shoreshim Community provide administrative, sorting, and pick-up support for this valuable mission throughout the year.
For more information, visit: coolgreenbag.org

Since 1974, The Closet of Greater Herndon, Inc. has provided gently used clothing and other household necessities to low-income families at nominal prices. In addition, profits from the Closet are donated to worthy community organizations and used to provide scholarships to disadvantaged graduates from five area high schools. Members of Shoreshim have long served on the Closet Board of Directors and many members and their children volunteer countless hours at this small but important community thrift shop. Contact: Sheila Barrett  sheshebb@aol.com
For more information visit: theclosetofgreaterherndon.org/

Cornerstones, formerly Reston Interfaith, began years ago as an interfaith human service effort and has grown into a large, multifaceted social service non-profit serving countless citizens in Northwestern Fairfax County. Cornerstones promotes self-sufficiency for those in need by providing food, shelter, affordable housing, and other support services.  Members of Shoreshim have served on the Cornerstones Board of Directors for many years, and individuals and families within Shoreshim commit many volunteer hours to this worthwhile organization. Contact: Steve Silver, Shoreshim Representative to the Cornerstones Board ssilver628@aol.com
For more information, visit: cornerstonesva.org

In Hebrew, Tzedakah literally means righteousness. Our Tzedakah fund – made up of contributions received during High Holiday services, distributions from the Closet, and donations from members and non-members – allows us to extend our reach even further.

The Tzedakah Committee meets once a year to recommend organizations that Shoreshim can support with modest grants. For the 2021-22 year, Shoreshim sent financial assistance to:

World Central Kitchen This great organization believes that “Food is a universal human right.” Among its ongoing efforts, WCK is providing hot meals to those in war-torn Ukraine.

Cornerstones – Shoreshim has long supported this nonprofit, serving Northern Virginia, that promotes self-sufficiency through support and advocacy for those in need.

Family Pass  – Family PASS helps working families who are at risk of homelessness in Fairfax County by providing a path to economic self-sufficiency through intensive case management and comprehensive support services.

Pathway Homes – Founded in 1980, Pathway Homes provides non-time-limited housing and supportive services to more than 600 adults with serious mental illness and other co-occurring disabilities in Northern Virginia.

Hypothermia Prevention Dinners – In addition to the financial contributions mentioned above, the community partnered with other local religious organizations to provide meals for the Embry Rucker Community Shelter in Reston.  We provided, prepared, and served food for community members in need.

Members who wish to join the Tzedakah Committee, or have suggested recipients for the committee to consider, should contact Sharon Canner sharon.canner8@gmail.com