The Mitzvah Circle Foundation

The Mitzvah Circle Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides support, hope, and dignity to individuals and families during times of crisis, poverty, homelessness, and serious illness. MCF assists people who have fallen through the cracks, removing barriers to meaningful help and resources and provides individualized support such as clothing, school supplies, diapers, household items, food, services, and referrals. MCF responds without discrimination –fulfilling basic human needs with compassion, to truly make a difference for people who are walking along life’s edge. Nine organizations regularly refer people in need to MCF. Whether the need is for food, clothes, school supplies, or an air conditioner, Fran Held, the founder and Executive Director, and her team have made it their mission to serve anyone that asks.

Mitzvah Circle delivers items to homes that are hand-picked based on the expressed needs of the recipients. Food deliveries are sensitive to dietary restrictions and preferences. Handwritten notes with words of encouragement are included. If there are children in the family, a book is added to the care package. MCF responds to anyone within the United States who requests services, thanks to a private donor who pays for all of the shipping costs. Mitzvah Circle is often the last resort for families who have been turned away from other organizations. The staff, interns, and volunteers come from several different faith traditions and treat everyone they work with and for like family. It is a large family: in 2015 they served over 35,000 people.