In keeping with an annual practice, the Seaside Jewish Community made end-of-year donations to six nonprofit groups as part of its mission to support organizations helping those in need.

"At Seaside, we are committed to lending a hand to people in our community by funding specific projects," said Anita Smulyan, co-chair of Seaside’s Community Service Committee, the group responsible for recommending the organizations to which funds are sent.

"Giving back to the community is a major tenet of the Jewish religion, and here at Seaside we take it very seriously," she said.

The special projects Seaside is helping this year include these:

Delaware Guidance: Seaside provides funding to for trips that teach tools for living, arts and crafts projects, and school holiday and summer programs for young people at the center and more.

Donors' Choice: This year Seaside has provided funds to a Rehoboth Beach English as a Second Language teacher for books, flash cards and other needed supplies.

Community Resource Center: Seaside helps homeless families and their at- risk adolescents.

Partners in Health: Seaside assists this group of doctors and nurses who volunteer their time and travel around the world to provide urgent medical care to victims of war and disaster regardless of race, religion or politics.

Seeds of Peace: Seaside is donating funds to this 20-year-old organization that works with young leaders from regions of conflict to build relationships, understanding and skills needed to advance lasting peace. Seeds of Peace has been bringing together Egyptian, Israeli and Palestinian teenagers since 1993 and continues to work in with young leaders in the Middle East.

Shauna's Hope: Seaside will contribute to this foundation and support the production of a film to be used in high schools and community groups to promote awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation.

"Seaside reaches out and engages in the Jewish mitzvah (good deed) of' Tikun Olum - repairing the world and doing acts of loving kindness," says Cheryl Fruchtman, co-chair of the Community Service Committee.

"Seaside has been fortunate to be able to assist needy groups locally and internationally," she said. "This year we are proud to have donated to three local and two international groups."

According to Smulyan and Fruchtman, groups are invited in to describe their programs and needs. Each year, the 10 members of the Community Service Committee review organizations to fund on behalf of the entire Seaside membership.

For more information on funding for special programs, contact Smulyan at 302-703-2900.