Julie Schanzer with husband Philip

"I wanted my whole family to participate in hands-on volunteer work for the Jewish community."

Julie Schanzer is a busy woman — a wife, a mother, and a marketing executive. Yet she still felt that it was important to become more involved with the Jewish community.

In the summer of 2006, she contacted UJA-Federation of New York and was put in touch with its Volunteer & Leadership Development Division (VLDD). And after talking to Susan Kohn, executive director of the division, she decided to participate in one of the major programs operated by DOROT.

DOROT, a beneficiary agency of UJA-Federation — whose name is Hebrew for "generations" — enhances the lives of the elderly in the New York metropolitan area through a dynamic partnership of volunteers, professionals, and elders. It addresses the basic needs of the elderly and provides social, cultural, and educational activities to alleviate their isolation. "My first project was delivering food baskets to seniors in my neighborhood right before Rosh HaShanah. I found that a holiday-package delivery helps them engage with the community during the holidays" Julie says. Julie discovered that this experience was extremely fulfilling — for her children as well. They quickly asked when they could do it again. They returned to DOROT to deliver baskets prior to Chanukah and again at Purim and Passover. "This is a terrific program," she says. "Not only do the seniors get a terrific holiday basket filled with necessities, but they also enjoy the company. You visit with them for about 30 minutes, and it really brightens their day."

Julie, who comes from Birmingham, Alabama, has always had a strong connection to the Jewish community. She was regional president of her B'nai B'rith youth group and active in other Jewish organizations as well.

Julie lives on the Upper West Side with her husband, Philip, and her children, Elle, 3, and Joe, 1.

In addition to her efforts for DOROT, she is involved with UJA-Federation's Families Division and, with her husband, participated in Emerging Leaders and Philanthropists activities.

Because of the importance of the DOROT holiday program, Julie plans to continue volunteering to distribute food baskets during the months ahead. "I enjoy working with seniors," she says. "And it's good for my children to see that there is a whole population out there that can use this support."