Local officials cut a ribbon to mark the opening of a new office for Mitzvah Circle on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (Credit: State Senator Maria Collett)
Local lawmakers on hand to back nonprofit
Mitzvah Circle, a nonprofit helping hundreds of thousands of people meet their basic needs each year, celebrated the grand opening of their new, permanent home in Montgomery Township Wednesday.
Fran Held, executive director of Mitzvah Circle, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our forever home, where we’ll be able to serve local neighbors in need. This 24,500 square foot facility will allow us to mobilize more than 4,000 local volunteers to help over 300,000 people each year.”
Mitzvah Circle is dedicated to closing the gaps between what government assistance covers and what families in crisis really need by providing clothing, soap, diapers, period products, school supplies, and other necessities across southeastern Pennsylvania. The new facility, located at 435 Doylestown Road, will allow the organization to serve more people more effectively.
At the grand opening, the Mitzvah team was joined by nearly 300 community members and volunteers, as well as county, state and federal officials who shared their support for the organization and its exciting expansion.
“When every family can have their most basic needs met, our entire community benefits,” said state Sen. Maria Collett, D-12th Dist. “I’m thrilled to welcome Mitzvah Circle to their new home in my district, and I was so proud to help secure state grant funding for their facility so they can continue to deliver millions of period products, diapers, clothing items and other necessities to vulnerable folks across our region.”
State Rep. Matt Bradford, D-70th Dist., said “Mitzvah Circle is a tremendous organization that works every day to ensure that our neighbors have access to the essential items and programs they need for a good quality of life.”
“I’m thrilled to join in the grand opening of their brand-new warehouse so that they can continue their critical mission and serve even more people. I’m also so honored to work with my colleagues in the state legislature to secure $750,000 in state funding for the new facility. Thank you to Mitzvah Circle for all you do to make our community a better place,” said Bradford.
“Mitzvah Circle is an incredibly valuable resource in our community and through their work to help women, kids, and families, they have had a positive impact on so many lives,” said First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro. “I am proud to be here today and stand beside Fran Held and the Mitzvah Circle team as they celebrate their new home — a place that will allow them to help even more families live with dignity and thrive.”
U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th, said “for 15 years, Mitzvah Circle has been devoted to helping families in need, and I’m excited to see their efforts grow with the opening of this new building.”
“From the Diaper Bank Program to menstrual products, household supplies, and social services, Mitzvah Circle is a lifeline to nearly 300,000 neighbors a year. I look forward to continuing our work together as they compassionately serve Montgomery County,” Dean said
Commissioner Jamila Winder, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, said “On behalf of Montgomery County, we are grateful for Mitzvah Circle’s enduring commitment to providing the County’s families in need with daily essentials.”
“Whether it is their diaper bank, period supply program, or youth engagement program, Mitzvah Circle’s initiatives provide an ideal complement to County programs serving residents in need. We are proud to invest $250,000 in Mitzvah Circle’s new Lansdale warehouse and we look forward to the next chapter in this vital partnership,” Winder said.
State Rep. Melissa Cerrato, D-151st Dist., said “Mitzvah Circle has been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals and families in our community. Their dedication to providing essential services and unwavering compassion has made a significant impact on the lives of those in need. We are thrilled to welcome Mitzvah Circle to Montgomery Township in the 151st district and look forward to continuing our collaboration to uplift and strengthen our community together.”
Also in attendance were: state Representatives Nancy Guenst, Liz Hanbidge, Steve Malagari, Ben Sanchez, Greg Scott, and Joe Webster; state Senators Cappelletti and Tracy Pennycuick; representatives from U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman’s offices; Montgomery Township officials and other local leaders.
Local community members are invited to learn more about Mitzvah Circle at www.mitzvahcircle.org and to consider getting involved.
