US Chesed News

On Monday evening, over 150 people turned out for the Wohl JVN Volunteering Awards, which celebrated the hard work and dedication of Jewish volunteers working in the UK and abroad. One of those honoured was US Chesed’s Shelley Schachter-Cahm, who won the Pears Foundation Overseas and International Award for her tremendous work distributing toys, games and baby equipment, amongst other items, to the needy in the Philippines and Ukraine.
Shelley became involved with US Chesed when she contacted them in 2012 and asked US Chesed to promote the Toy Drop, a not-for-profit organisation that she had set up in 2002.
Shelley, a member of Muswell Hill US, has worked on three main projects together with the Chesed Department of the United Synagogue and has given many hours of her time to ensure the success of these projects. This has been a very fruitful partnership, with Shelley’s ideas of Tzedaka striking a chord in the hearts of many US members, who have given a huge number of toys, books and baby clothes to the Toy Drop.
Unfortunately Shelley could not be at the awards but she was represented by her daughter Mindy, who received a certificate and award on her mother’s behalf.
Michelle Minsky, Head of US Chesed, said, “Shelley has worked so hard and it is great to see her receive the recognition she deserves. I’d like to thank her for her tremendous efforts for US Chesed and hope that she continues to go from strength to strength in the future”.
The event was hosted by Martyn Lewis CBE, Chairman of National Council for Voluntary Organisations, who has been active in the volunteering sector for over 30 years.
If you feel you can make a difference and want to volunteer for US Chesed, click here.
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Watch the video below to see Shelley explain her work.