The Hebrew Order of David is a Jewish fraternal organization that has a long, rich history of giving back to its community through volunteering and financial support. Earlier this year, Ron Robbins, founder of Backpack Buddies was a guest speaker at the Hebrew Order of David Lodge Shimshon of North Fulton. He discussed Backpack Buddies’ mission of helping food-insecure youth by providing nutritious weekend meals. Lodge Shimshon’s brothers agreed that this was the exact type of local impact on the community that the lodge was about.

HOD Lodge Shimshon, led by President Scott Scher and Vice President Jeff Budd, decided that it wanted to support Backpack Buddies through volunteering and financial support. The lodge started volunteering monthly, packing more than 200 meals on Sunday mornings followed by hearty social time over breakfast. The lodge enjoys giving back in this way while having some great camaraderie with lodge brothers.

Lodge Shimshon also wanted to support Backpack Buddies financially, and the lodge leadership started a fundraising campaign. Jody Pollack, CEO of the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival, partnered with the lodge and generously donated on behalf of the festival. Overall, the lodge raised $4,000 for Backpack Buddies, which is expected to feed more than 400 youth for a weekend.

On Sunday, Dec. 11, Lodge Shimshon presented Ron Robbins with a check after the lodge volunteered packing meals. Budd reflected on the lodge’s support, “It has been an honor to work with Ron and support Backpack Buddies. The lodge loves that we can contribute to the organization’s success and have a great time by volunteering hands-on. We look forward to supporting Backpack Buddies for a long time.”

Scher further reflected on the lodge’s engagement with Backpack Buddies “As president of the lodge, I was looking to identify an organization that we could support locally. When I was introduced to Backpack Buddies and learned about their mission of providing meals for children in need on the weekends, I knew that this would be a great match for our lodge and our members to raise funds and volunteer for this great organization.”

Lodge Shimshon in Johns Creek was consecrated in 2014 and has members throughout the Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and the North Fulton area. Lodge Shimshon supports the North Fulton community in many ways including through its Yellow Candle Project, Matzo Ball Mitzvah program, and the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival, and has regular social programming for its membership.

To find out more about Hebrew Order of David and Lodge Shimshon, email Membership Chairman at [email protected].