Written by Ham & High Tuesday, 04 November 2008 00:00

THOUSANDS of Jewish volunteers will be doing good deeds to mark a special day in both the Ham&High area and across the country.

Hampstead's Jewish Community Centre (JCC) is one of the groups that helped to set up Mitzvah, or "good deed" day, where an army of volunteers takes to the streets to help various charities.

On Sunday November 16, leading figures from the community including the Chief Rabbi, Vanessa Feltz and Dan Patterson will lend a hand to a whole host of events.

Mitzvah Day UK chairwoman and founder Laura Marks said: "On Mitzvah Day we don't ask for cash - we ask for time.

"It's amazing what a difference we can make to someone else by donating just a few hours.

"We have projects for everyone and it will be the most rewarding day of the year for all those who take part."

In Hampstead, a series of volunteer projects will get under way.

Welcome packs will be put together for the Separated Child Foundation, which are given to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who arrive in Britain without any essentials.

Volunteers will be painting a mural in Hampstead Holy Trinity Primary School's playground.

The Act For Darfur team will be adding to a protest quilt, with volunteers designing their squares and adding them in, while knitters help Save The Children by making clothing for mothers and babies in developing countries.

Volunteers can also be screened to see if they can help those with Tay-Sachs, a debilitating and often lethal genetic disease, and lend a hand to various other practical tasks.

Those who haven't got the time to volunteer are being asked to donate items to help.

Foodstuffs - from sugar, oil, pasta and tinned beans to fruit - are being sought as well as small Christmas gifts such as notepads and second-hand clothes in good condition.

Drivers are also being sought to help with the events.

The festival is open to anyone, Jewish or non-Jewish.

To sign up or find out more, visit www.mitzvahday.org.uk or call 0845 838 7016.