The Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York hosted its first-ever Jewish Day of Service on Christmas Day.

Fifty volunteers from the Capital Region’s Jewish community partnered with local nonprofits in the area to give back. Those volunteers from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York had a full schedule. They began their day at Schenectady City Mission, then went on to the Ronald McDonald House in Albany, the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center and Joseph’s House in Troy.

NewsChannel 13 caught up with the group in Albany at Ronald McDonald House. Volunteers served Christmas meals to families passing through the house on their way to the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center.

The Jewish community celebrated Hanukkah, Dec. 7 through Dec. 15. However, volunteering on Christmas is a great way for them to be part of the community and help others celebrate.

“Giving back is essential to being Jewish,” said Jon Pierce from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York. “Being in the Jewish community – it’s something very important to us and it works out great for everyone.”

The Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York is the central resource for the Jewish community in the Capital Region.