Julian Adler, a member of the Sid Jacobson JCC Teen Services Center, recently designed a very creative mitzvah project (an act of human kindness). As part of one's bar mitzvah celebration, it is traditional to give the party goers original, personalized hooded sweatshirts to mark the event. However, because of Adler, a 13-year-old from Roslyn Harbor, this tradition was able to become much more than a mere party favor. Julian realized that many attendees of such parties gather as many as 70 sweatshirts, which are ultimately laid to rest in the back of a closet, forgotten and collecting dust. This thought is what inspired Julian to develop the program called, "From My Hood to Your Hood."

The concept involves gathering such otherwise wasted articles of clothing, which are then given to less-fortunate teens in Diamondhead, MS. This area continues to suffer from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Julian's program is supported by the JCC, as well as Temple Judea of Manhasset and the Ziv Tzedakah Fund. Thus far, the project has been quite successful, already collecting nearly 600 sweatshirts.

"This young man's benevolence and determination has set a great example that will hopefully inspire other individuals as well," says Julie Hollander, director of JCC Teen Services.

Julian's efforts have also captured the attention of local school officials and synagogue leaders, who have commended his motivation to turn this practice into a good deed.

In addition, Federal Express Shipping (FedEX) has awarded Julian access to its "Charitable Shipping" program, serving as a huge aid in sending all of the sweatshirts to Mississippi. According to Julian, "It's really fun to share our sweatshirts with each other, but feels even better to share with people who really, really need it."

For further information, contact Julie Hollander, director of Teen Services, 484-1545, ext. 117, jhollander@sjjcc.org.