The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) – Greater Minneapolis Section will hold its annual Spring Event on Monday May 4 at 6:45 p.m. at the Sabes Jewish Community Center. The event marks the official launch of NCJW’s newest community service program, Stuff for Kids. Stuff for Kids is dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless and highly mobile students in Minneapolis.

The program, which was developed as an outgrowth of NCJW’s Stuff for School program, was created in partnership with the Minneapolis Public Schools where some 5500 students will find themselves homeless during the couse of this year alone (on any given night 1200 are looking for a place to sleep).

The event will include a keynote presentation by Elizabeth Hinz, MSW, Minneapolis Schools District Liaison for Homeless and Highly Mobile Students. Ms. Hinz is co-author and coordinator of the "Kids Mobility Study” and has published articles and spoken at national forums about student mobility, homelessness and student achievement. She will provide statistics and stories about the reality of homelessness among Minneapolis students, what is being done to address needs and where Stuff for Kids fits in.

At Spring Event, NCJW will also recognize its committed corps of volunteers, including 2008-9 Volunteer of the Year, Karin Phillips. Phillips is active with several NCJW programs, including the Jenny Lind School Tutoring Program and the Heart of the Home kitchen tour fundraiser. NCJW members and non-members are welcome. The cost is $18 for members and $20 for non-members (a portion of the registration fee will go to help launch Stuff for Kids).