Kids trot from table to table with plastic toys and red, silky ribbons clutched in their tiny hands.
Parents assist the little ones with their crayons and paper decorations.
A constant excited chatter charges the air. But these children and adults are not spending the morning making crafts for their own amusement. They are here to help others. Sunday marked the third annual Mitzvah Day at Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael. By participating in such events as singing for the elderly, assembling first-aid packets for the homeless, gardening near Marinwood and hosting Halloween parties for abused children, the volunteers are working to make a difference in the community.