With his bar mitzvah approaching, the 13-year-old established a “COVID Care” project benefitting Boca Helping Hands (BHH). He asked his friends and family to contribute food and other necessities in lieu of traditional gifts. In the end, he donated more than 500 pounds of items to the nonprofit.
“I came up with the idea of ‘COVID Care,’ a Feed the Families Food Drive, as my mitzvah project to help collect toiletries and food for less fortunate people,” said Zach, an eighth-grader at the Pine Crest School in Boca Raton. “The pandemic has been tough on so many people in our community, so I was inspired to help."
Zach visited Boca Helping Hands on a student council field trip a couple years ago. The donations, which he picked up from friends and delivered to BHH, included canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, cereal bars, crackers, jelly, pasta, peanut butter, soup, tomato sauce and rice.
He also collected toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, razors, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and soap. Donors either purchased the items themselves or used an Amazon link.
“Zach really set an example for kids his age,” said Greg Hazle, executive director of Boca Helping Hands. “We’re delighted to have received this generous donation of much-needed items.”
Zach’s not sure what the future of COVID Care will be. He hopes to have another big donation drive to benefit BHH.
“I believe in helping others and giving back to the community,” Zach said. “I feel such a sense of accomplishment from my mitzvah project.”
Due to the pandemic, only 20 people were allowed at the actual bar mitzvah service in the spring, so the rest of his family and friends watched on livestream. He also had a celebration in his driveway for his friends.
“The whole thing was very nerve-racking but also very exciting,” he said.
BHH distributes more than 80,000 pantry bags each year at four Palm Beach County locations and serves over 90,000 hot meals annually, six days per week. The organization expands access to affordable medical, dental and behavioral care through its partnership with Genesis Community Health, serving clients at clinics in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach.
Charity Navigator named Boca Helping Hands a Four-Star Charity for the 14th consecutive year in April 2020. Boca Helping Hands is at 1500 NW 1st Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432. For more information, visit BocaHelpingHands.org.
Who is your hero?
My hero is Dwyane Wade because I love to play basketball, and he never gives up. He's a fighter.
What is your favorite movie?
“Space Jam.”
What are your hobbies?
Playing basketball, flag football, tennis, skiing.
What do you do to get away or take a break?
Collect sports cards and memorabilia.
If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be?
Michael Jordan
What is the best advice you ever received?
My preschool teacher said to turn your mistakes into lessons.
What is your favorite book and why?
“The Outsiders” (taught me different perspectives of life).
What is your favorite memory?
Going to New York, seeing my cousins and the Statue of Liberty.
