Wanstead and Woodford Synagogue held a coffee morning for Mitzvah Day last year

Redbridge MPs are backing a Jewish-led day of social action in Redbridge.

Mitzvah Day, of which the Recorder is a media partner, aims to bring together people of different ages, faiths and walks of life to improve the community.

Volunteers are asked to give their time, not money, to hands-on projects in their area.

Ilford South MP Mike Gapes has supported Mitzvah day for the last two years.

He said: “It’s a very welcome initiative. It’s good to encourage people to give up their time to benefit others and show we have a caring community.

“It’s a great idea and I’m pleased to see the Recorder supporting it.”

MP for Ilford North Lee Scott said good deeds are an “integral ingredient” of his Jewish faith.

He added: “Sadly these days, all too often, the vital importance of volunteering is underestimated in the vital work of charities and community groups.

“Without the dedicated efforts of volunteers much of the good work could not and would not be undertaken.

“There is a clear and simple message: if you as an individual can make the time then you will be able to make a difference.”

Leyton and Wanstead MP John Cryer said the event “echoes” the community spirit of the Olympics.

He added: “It brought people together and generated a collective feeling and that’s what this will do.

“I think it’s a good idea for people to come together to do work for their community.

“It’s in the best tradition of the Jewish community in east London.”

The national day, on November 18, is in its eighth year and expects to attract 25,000 volunteers to support more than 800 projects across the country.

Pupils from Ilford Jewish Primary School in Carlton Drive, Barkingside, have already started collecting toys and clothes to donate.

King Solomon High School in Forest Road, Barkingside; the Redbridge Jewish Community Centre in Woodford Bridge Road, Redbridge, and borough synagogues are also planning projects.

For information on Mitzvah Day or to get involved, visit www.mitzvahday.org.uk.