Hundreds of volunteers hit the streets of Barnet yesterday to perform good deeds for Mitzvah Day.

Since 2005 thousands of Jews have turned out each year to give their time to good causes on the annual Mitzvah Day - literally good deed day.

This year Barnet’s Jewish community turned out in force once again, bolstering the 11,000 strong effort nationwide, with charitable causes benefitting across the borough.

Around 200 members of the Edgware and District Reform Synagogue volunteered, packing clothes to send to poverty-stricken Jews in Eastern Europe, cleaning toys for children in special needs homes and singing old-time songs in a care home for the elderly.

Marian Cohen, director of education at the synagogue and project organiser for Mitvah Day, said: “They were singing the kind of songs they would know and they don’t get to see many children. The kids were so good they had them in tears.

“We asked the volunteers afterwards how Mitzvah Day could be improved and someone said it would be good if more people stayed awake, because some of the elderly people fell asleep, which was quite funny.”

Around 40 of the volunteers redecorated Homeless Action in Barnet centre, in Woodhouse Road, which offers support, cheap meals and advice for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.

The money for the materials was provided by St Mary’s Church in East Barnet, in keeping with what was a multi-faith event.

Marian added: “It was really wonderful and everyone really enjoyed themselves while helping others. We’re already looking forward to next year. It’s getting stronger and stronger.

“It’s nice to get out and do these kind of things and it’s important for our kids to help their community.”

Members of the Finchley Reform Synagogue also helped out at Homeless Action in Barnet, as well as performing a show for residents of the Jewish Care home Ruben’s House in Finchley Central, making presents for asylum seekers and cleaning up Victoria Park in Finchley.

Rachel Fidler, project organiser for Finchley Reform Synagogue, said: “In these credit crunch times it’s good to know we can all still do our bit for charity by giving not cash but a little time.

“That’s what Mitzvah Day is all about and I am delighted that so many people turned out to support our event.”