Mitzvah Moms Give Back

Mitzvah Moms have a mission to help others, delivering gift baskets to people affected by COVID-19. Helping to spread the love are (back row, from left) Josiah Krouse, Gina Krouse, Gena Harting, (front row) Elaine Krouse, Ryder Harting and William Krouse.

BY CATHY MOLITORIS

Inspired by a desire to give back, two local moms have created a group to help others. Mitzvah Moms was created by Gina Krouse of Lampeter and Gena Harting of Strasburg in the fall of 2020. Initially, the pair focused on collecting items for the homeless, but they then shifted their mission to helping people affected by COVID-19.

“COVID started hitting close to home,” Harting said. “We knew someone at our synagogue who got sick, so we put together a basket for them. Then, someone in my moms’ group was affected. We started tossing around the idea of creating a group called Mitzvah Moms because it sounded cute and also because we thought there might be other people who would like to do this with us.” The pair created a Facebook group and soon had almost 100 members.

“Mitzvah” is a Hebrew word that means “good deed.” The friends use their Facebook group to create gift baskets to give to people affected by COVID-19.

“The baskets include a new, soft blanket and self-care products to help with decongestion,” Krouse noted. “They also have snacks because everybody loves food. It’s a basket of comfort items. We wanted to focus on the comfort, warmth and support.”

Baskets are catered to the individual, and all recipients are kept as confidential as possible, she stated, adding, “We ask for some basic information about the person receiving the basket ... so they get a basket that really fits their needs and wants.”

Mitzvah Moms took off quickly as word spread through the friends’ network as well as their synagogue, Shaarai Shomayim in Lancaster. “Our rabbi is involved with the Interfaith Coalition in Lancaster, and we asked him if he would consider spreading the word among other congregation leaders and passing names our way,” Krouse explained.

The women said donations of items for baskets and monetary gifts have been overwhelming, and in fact, they currently have more donations than people to receive them. “It’s a good problem to have,” Harting stated. “We’re facing the challenge of trying to reach out and identify more people who would like a basket.”

Harting and Krouse, who have four children among them and homeschool their kids, said Mitzvah Moms has offered a way to set an example for their families while also making a difference in their community. They have been pleasantly surprised by the number of people who have offered to help with their project.

“The purpose for this goes way beyond our children and giving from ourselves,” Krouse said. “There are so many people out there who want to help and want to show their love for their community.”

Although they are currently focused on the pandemic, the pair said they plan to continue supporting others once COVID-19 is gone. “We’re already brainstorming ideas for our next projects,” Harting noted. “We are looking at the longevity of Mitzvah Moms and continuing to give back.”

The group is seeking both volunteers to help deliver baskets as well as nominations for recipients of baskets. For more information on Mitzvah Moms, readers may email mitzvahmomsrock@gmail.com, search for “Mitzvah Moms” on Facebook or visit https://mitzvahmoms rock.weebly.com/.

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But “cool” is perhaps too ephemeral a term to describe Lititz. With traditional enterprises such as Wilbur Chocolate, which still operates a retail store on Broad Street; the Lititz Springs Inn and Spa, built in 1764 as the Zum Anker; and the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which is believed to be the oldest in the country, Lititz has much to offer visitors.

Outdoor pursuits include a visit to Lititz Springs Park, a seven-acre plot featuring a band shell and recreation areas surrounding a picturesque stream. The park is also the location of the town welcome center, an 1884 Victorian Gothic building designed by Frank Furness, where volunteers provide information about activities and restaurants in Lititz. The Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail offers 8 miles to walk, run, or bike from its start at Oak Street to Ephrata. Bicycle rental is available at the Warwick Township Building. At the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, located in the Speedwell Forge area of Lititz, visitors may enjoy a unique chance to see wolf pack dynamics.

The restored Johannes Mueller House and the Lititz Historical Foundation Museum are generally open from the end of May through December, offering guided tours that tell the story of the Moravians and how the town was founded. The wooden portion of the Mueller house was built by Klein in 1740, making it the oldest standing private home in Lititz. It was also the location of the Lititz post office from 1830 to 1849. The historical foundation hands out free historic walking tour maps of Main Street, which take visitors to about 18 buildings.

Located directly behind the foundation are the Mary Oehme Gardens. The gardens, which are free to visit and open to the public as long as no events are happening there, are a tranquil area full of bright colors against a green backdrop.

Enjoying the scenery during a stroll through Lititz might cause one to work up an appetite. A few dozen restaurants, ranging from ethnic eateries to brew pubs and cafés, are sandwiched between shops. One local resident recommends Chilangos for authentic Mexican. Rooster Street Butcher features meats and pastas hosting a variety of tasty flavors, and Piccolo Eatery is known for the size of its Mediterranean- and Italianinspired sandwiches. Tomato Pie Café is a family-owned restaurant offering an eclectic take on meals and desserts.

While Lititz may seem steeped in tradition, it is also home to a 52,000 square-foot rehearsal space built literally on rock … music. Located just north of town is Rock Lititz, a campus resulting from a partnership between Tait Towers and Clair Brothers Audio Enterprises.

A quintessential example of a Lancaster County town, Lititz is surrounded by rolling hills and verdant farmland. While it is possible to enjoy a day visit to Lititz, the town offers a rich heritage and interesting activities that may compel visitors back to see and do more. Discovering Lititz can mean exploring and experiencing new sights, sounds, and tastes without traveling very far from your own backyard.

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“The Little Mermaid” is known for big musical numbers such as “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl,” but also for “Positoovity,” which will feature tap dancing seagulls, led by experienced tap dancer Erb as Scuttle.

Wagner has been directing rehearsals for the 46 students in the cast, crew, and orchestra. She noted that the students’ masks make it harder for her to judge the work of the ensemble, but she praised the singers in the lead roles and noted that many members of the small orchestra will need to play more than one instrument during the performance. Wagner noted that creating convincing underwater scenes through choreography, staging, lighting, and costumes is also a challenge.

During a year of uncertainty, Wagner said she is happy to offer students roles playing the iconic Disney characters. “They needed something they love and can grab on to,” she said.

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