Pupils lend a hand to Emunah (From Watford Observer)

Immanuel College pupils lend a hand to Emunah

11:16am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

Pupils from Immanuel College in Bushey lent a hand to Emunah to launch the charity’s new collection boxes in time for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Emunah director Deborah Nathan joined a meeting of the school’s charity and social action committee which chooses three charities a year to support them financially as well as by hands-on volunteering in the local community such as making sandwiches for the New Hope Shelter in Watford.

Addressing a gathering of more than 60 pupils at the school in Elstree Road, Mrs Nathan said: “Emunah has a special connection with the school because pupils spend time at our children’s home in Afula as part of the Immanuel College Israel Tour [ICIT]. We help children who are in need because they have been orphaned or whose parents can’t look after them, and they have no-one else to help.”

Mrs Naomi Amdurer, head of the charity and social action committee, stressed the democratic process whereby pupils decide which charities to support, saying: “You and you alone get to vote for the charities you want to support and that are close to your heart.”

Talking of his visit to the Afula home, Adam Ellis, 15, said: “It was wonderful to be able to help children in need and witness what a good job Emunah does.”

Oscar Wagner, 15, said: “All the children were smiling despite what they have been through and what they have lost. It was good to make the connection with Emunah.”

Danielle Shohet, 14, added: "It was really moving – it made me think of people who are less fortunate and of how some people take everything for granted.” Emunah helps thousands of children in Israel through its network of residential homes, high schools, day care centres and therapy and counselling centres. All of this comes at a cost and the boxes feature the slogan: “Help feed our hungry children in need.”