One year has officially passed since Gina Krouse of Lampeter and Gena Harting of Strasburg created Mitzvah Moms. "Mitzvah" is a Hebrew word that means "good deed." While celebrating Sukkot, the two women realized they wanted to teach their kids how to help others. Initially, Krouse and Harting focused on collecting items for the homeless, but the group then shifted its mission to helping people affected by COVID-19. Now, the group creates gift baskets for those who are struggling with their physical or mental health or are experiencing other challenges.

"Mitzvah Moms has been such a gift," said Krouse. "It has been so healing, not just for the community, but also for us." After being diagnosed with breast cancer a couple months ago, Krouse has been putting the care packages together by herself because it helps her. "When someone is struggling, I'm right there with them. It's been an interesting journey," she noted.

By completing good deeds, Mitzvah Moms members strive to set an example for their children. They aim to teach their children how to show kindness and look for ways to love their neighbors.

After hearing time and time again from their kids that the name Mitzvah Moms doesn't fit the kids because "they aren't mothers," Krouse and Harting decided to launch a new program called Mitzvah Kids, which will provide children with another opportunity to serve the Lampeter-Strasburg community. Together, Krouse's and Harting's children brainstormed project ideas for Mitzvah Kids. Among them were senior citizen visits, making pom-pom pens, cleaning up a park, and building baskets.

To launch Mitzvah Kids, Mitzvah Moms is asking for T-shirt design entries. Participants must draw a picture on white piece of paper using markers, crayons, colored pencils, pens, or other drawing utensils; take a picture of the artwork; and email a high-resolution JPEG to mitzvahmomsrock@gmail.com. Children must be submit their entries by Thursday, Sept. 30.

For more information on Mitzvah Moms, readers may search for "Mitzvah Moms" on Facebook or visit https://mitzvahmomsrock.weebly.com/.