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://mitzvahmomsrock.weebly.com/.