Our Story
Mitzvah Circle began in 2009, sparked by one phone call from a soccer coach who wanted to help a mom with cancer. That moment lit a fire. From a suburban garage, our Founder and Executive Director Fran Held began helping families who had nowhere else to turn. Word spread. Needs grew. And so did our mission.
In 2024, we served more than 500,000 people with the help of 3,620 volunteers, 13 full-time staff, and 345 community partners. We now also have a permanent home of our own—a vibrant, bustling warehouse powered by compassion.
We continue to show up where others won’t, meeting people in crisis with practical support and the respect everyone deserves.
Mitzvah Circle
Voices
“This isn’t just a job. Every day, I get to help people who feel invisible feel seen. We don’t cut corners. We meet people where they are—no judgment, no red tape, and no one-size-fits-all approach.”
— ALEX, Mitzvah Circle Team
Our Mission & Approach
Unlike traditional charities that offer a one-size-fits-all model, Mitzvah Circle looks at the whole picture. We believe a child can’t succeed in school if their parent(s) can’t work, so we serve the whole family.
We provide ongoing assistance, referrals, coaching, and support. By individually assessing and building personal relationships, we remove barriers, eliminate bureaucracy, and invite people in crisis to contact us directly.
After learning what people need to move forward, Mitzvah Circle prepares care packages containing clothing, shoes, diapers, period supplies, books, household goods, toiletries, and more.
Whether someone is recovering from illness, facing homelessness, fleeing violence, or living below the poverty line, we’re here to help them move forward with dignity.
Explore Our Programs
How We Work
A multi-channel approach allows us to reach as many people as possible, exactly when and where they need support. Mitzvah Circle supports families through three key pathways:
Direct Services
Individuals and families in crisis can request help online. Volunteers shop for their specific needs and deliver items right to their door.
Social Worker
Referrals
Frontline professionals turn to us to meet urgent needs with dignity and compassion.
Partner Agencies
We collaborate with 345 community partners that serve vulnerable populations in hospitals, shelters, and schools by supplying diapers, toiletries, and more in bulk.
Large-Scale Donations
Multiply Our Impact
For every $1 donated, Mitzvah Circle delivers $4 in essential goods. From truckloads of new clothing to pallet shipments of diapers, contributions from corporations and foundations fuel our ability to do even more good.
Reach out to learn how your company or foundation can partner with us to help families in crisis.
