LYNN — Superheroes don’t always wear capes. If they are Marblehead and neighboring community teenagers affiliated with Jewish Teen Initiative Boston (JTI), they sometimes wear aprons.
Marblehead-based JTI kicked off the holidays by mobilizing 120 youth to whip up more than 50 lasagnas, 40 apple pies, four giant vats of white bean and kale soup, and brownies delivered to hungry families at the Lynn Shelter Association and My Brother’s Table.
A nonprofit organization connecting kids to community service and social justice programs and trips, JTI designated Nov. 19 Soup-er Sunday as part of a year-round social justice and service initiative.
“I’m always amazed at the number of teens who are willing to give so generously of their time and energy on a Sunday afternoon in November,” said JTI Boston Director Adam Smith. “This event reminds us to think about people in our extended circles and broader community who are in need.”
In February, teens will head to North Carolina to build homes with Habitat for Humanity. In March, teens travel to Washington, DC, where they lobby lawmakers on important and timely issues, and in June, they’ll travel to New Orleans to help rebuild hurricane-ravaged neighborhoods.
Teens can also meet weekly to volunteer with inner-city kids at elementary schools and homeless shelters. In the spring, JTI sponsors J-Serve, a day when teens volunteer cleaning, painting, and gardening at sites in Lynn.
“They’re able to turn their passions into action, roll up their sleeves and help make our world a better place,” said Brett Lubarsky, JTI Associate Director.
JTI launched its first Soup-er Sunday in 2009 with just 24 volunteers. This year’s event was its biggest ever. In fact, organizers had to split volunteers between two Marblehead sites; 3rd-7th graders worked at Temple Emanu-El while 8th-12th graders cooked at the JCC of the North Shore.
“It feels amazing knowing that I was able to help others by providing meals to hungry and needy families in our community,” said Maya Goldman, a Marblehead High School senior. “I love the feeling of helping others while connecting with Jewish teens in our community.”
Rebecca Dunn, of Peabody, has volunteered at Soup-er Sunday for three years. “I enjoy it more every time I go. Giving back to the community is always a rewarding experience.”
The kids’ efforts make a deep impact, according to Samantha Wheeler of the Lynn Shelter Association.
“Our families are connecting with each other over homemade lasagna and delicious apple pie,” Wheeler said. “The teens are helping to foster that and create community for the people we serve.
“Without the support of the Jewish Teen Initiative, we wouldn’t be able to do it. We really appreciate their support and dedication.”
To learn more about JTI Boston, all its programming, and recent expansion into Metrowest, visit http://jewishteeninitiative.org/.