JEWISH FUND-RAISER HELD.

Byline: Jennifer Hamm Staff Writer

WEST HILLS - Volunteers phoned for cash while children made arts and crafts Sunday to contribute to the single largest fund-raising event of the year for The Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance's United Jewish Fund.

Adults and teen-agers manned scores of phones in an effort to raise $2 million on Super Sunday for humanitarian services in Los Angeles and overseas. The kids chipped in by creating things such as a friendship quilt for a children's hospital.

The money raised goes to more than a dozen groups that provide everything from food boxes for the elderly overseas to covering tuition costs for children attending day camps.

``We're trying to knit the whole fabric of this community together,'' said Jack Mayer, executive director of the Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance.

The 21st annual Super Sunday was held in four locations throughout the city. Jewish Federation of Greater L.A. officials aimed to raise a total of $5 million.

During the 12-hour telephone effort in West Hills, 1,000 volunteers called potential donors asking for contributions. They hoped to reach half of the 11,000 people who were on a list of potential donors.

``People are very responsive,'' Mayer said.

Elaine Berke of Encino knows exactly where part of the money raised will go and enjoys sharing with contributors how their donation could be spent.

Berke works with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, which provides for welfare needs, education, rescue efforts and relief for people in 58 countries.

``Some of the money raised here today translates to food boxes,'' Berke said.

Berke has traveled to India and Eastern Europe and has seen firsthand the impact of the organization - commonly called The Joint.

``What we have in Eastern Europe are people with no families left,'' she said. ``We have to view them as our parents and grandparents. They are our own. We accept the obligation and responsibility of taking care of them.''

Thirteen-year-old Miriam Leviton decided to volunteer because, well, she enjoys ``talking on the phone.'' But after a few hours, she was excited to be helping people.

``I want to reach out to my community so when someone wants to give, I feel like I'm helping,'' she said.

Leviton was one of hundreds of teen-agers who worked the phones in the center's gym.

Meanwhile, some 700 kids pitched in at the Mitzvathon, where they made crafts that will be donated to local charities. Some created beaded key chains, and others decorated bookmarks.

``You don't have to give money but you can give something else,'' said Pam Ross, who oversaw the crafts projects. ``They learn that we should give to others.''

Political leaders who participated included Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Wooland Hills, and Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, D-Los Angeles.