Metro Briefs July 14

JFilm: The Pittsburgh Jewish Film Forum is now accepting submissions for the sixth annual Robinson International Short Film Competition. The winners will be awarded one Gold Prize of $10,000 and two Silver Prizes of $4,000 each. Finalists will be screened on May 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh. Winning filmmakers will be flown to Pittsburgh for the event. Visit jfilmpgh.org/programs-events/robinson-short-film-competition/robinson-shorts-criteria/ for more information.

Shaare Torah will hold its summer blood drive on Sunday, July 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All donors will receive a limited edition Donor-Rita-Ville T-shirt (while supplies last) and will be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Tuesday, Aug. 23 Jimmy Buffett concert at First Niagara Pavilion.

Register online at centralbloodbank.org and use group code G0020025 or contact Shaare Torah at 412-421-8855 or office@shaaretorah.net to register to help save a life.

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National Council of Jewish Women, Pittsburgh Section will welcome community volunteers — along with a group of eager youngsters — to the second annual Back 2 School Store, which is providing 500 elementary school students with new clothing, backpacks and school supplies for the coming school year.

Attending the event on Sunday, July 24 at the Kingsley Center from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. are honorary chairs Charlie and Latasha Batch and children from Best of the Batch Foundation

The children participating in the program are paired with volunteer “personal shoppers” who help them select new back-to-school outfits, shoes, backpacks filled with school supplies, winter coats, hats and gloves, all at no cost to them. While the children “shop” for their items at the Back 2 School Store, parents visit NCJW’s Resource Room to connect with local organizations and agencies for assistance with health care, parenting, financial literacy, career development and other social services.

The Back 2 School Store strives to help underprivileged children begin the school year on an equal footing with peers by fostering positive self-esteem and sparking enthusiasm for learning.

Chabad of the South Hills in Mt. Lebanon will hold Ladies Night Out on Wednesday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will include Israeli folk dancing (no experience required) and a summer buffet. Suggested donation is $5. RSVP by July 15 at Chabadsh.com or 412-344-2424.