Community Service

Community involvement is a very important part of Hillel’s commitment to Jewish values. At Hillel, students learn about helping others not just though words but through deeds. Hillel students volunteer and help out in the community from the youngest age.

In the past, students have volunteered at Horses for the Handicapped; The Spring, a Woman’s Shelter; the TJFS Food Bank; a pre-school for disadvantaged children, and more. Whether cleaning a park or raising money for Guide Dogs for the Blind, students are aware of the needs of the world around them and are eager to help.

In the past, Hillel students all banded together to raise money for the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, and were able to raise enough to save the life of a local Tampa resident. The students saved spare change in piggy banks, got pledges for a race they ran, and sold crafts, used books and baked goods, managing to raise over $10,000. Both Mr. Wayne Doucet, who underwent a double bypass operation, and Mr. Larry King came to Hillel to thank the students.

Hillel instituted Food Bank Fridays, where students or faculty members who bring canned goods or donations for the food bank get to wear jeans on that Friday.

Hillel Academy is an active participant in the Jewish Federation fund raising efforts.