Community Mitzvah Day 2011 is Dec. 25

is a day of volunteering throughout the community.

Hundreds of volunteers put together more than 1,200 winter care packages at the Weinberg Park Heights Jewish Community Center from 9-11:30 a.m.

But that's only one of many volunteer events available on Mitzvah Day.

For example, you can help deliver those winter care packages from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., also at the JCC.

Other options, according to the Jewish Volunteer Connection website include:

• A multi-generational Playdate Together from 11 a.m. to noon at in Pikesville.
• Help serve and clean up meals at Weinberg Park Assisted Living in Baltimore.
• Deliver food and gifts on Christmas Day, 9 a.m. at , Pikesville.
• Join Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and make winter baskets for the children of an outreach center serving communities in Baltimore City. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the congregation.
• Help in Owings Mills prepare food for the hungry. 10 a.m. to noon at the congregation.

There are more volunteer opportunities in Pikesville, Owings Mills, Upper Park Heights and Baltimore, among other communities.

is a family-friendly event, perfect for all ages.

To peruse the list of volunteer options, and to register, visit the Jewish Volunteer Connection website.

Co-chairman Alan Elkin writes about his Mitzvah Day experience.