Hundreds of people took time out of their day to volunteer in their community while 140 people went one step further and donated blood in aid of the Joely Bear Appeal.

Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue (BES) was buzzing on Sunday for Mitzvah Day with neighbours, faith leaders, and even the MP of Hertsmere popping in.

Nurses from the NHS set up a blood donation clinic organised by Lisa and Leigh Renak. The Rubeck’s set up the charity in 1995 after their son Joel died from a rare form of liver cancer, aged just four.

Among those who attended Mitzvah Day was five-year-old Jake Cohen and his family. Jake, who has cancer, has had more than 25 blood transfusions.

Aside from the blood donations, there was plenty of work to help sort out all of the donations that had been handed to Goods for Good. Clothes, shoes, and stationery were given and they will be donated to people in countries across the world.

180 pairs of glasses were all collected for Vision Aid Overseas, supporting eye care in developing countries.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis attended alongside Rabbi Plancey, and Rabbi Chapper.

Rabbi Chapper joined Mr Dowden for ‘coffee and crochet’ making hats and blankets for the Royal Free Hospital’s orange hat appeal.

An orange hat helps the hospital to easily identify babies needing extra care, allowing staff to take observations and provide extra support. Thirty hats and three blankets were made for the campaign. Additionally, a collection of more than 100 children’s books were made and sent to the paediatric unit at Watford General hospital.

It was not all just about volunteering. There was plenty of fun to be had with a bouncy castle, games, face painting, and refreshments.

Tanya Charlton, Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue’s Mitzvah Day co-ordinator, said: "It was an incredible day. Thank you to everyone for being involved in so many ways. Together we have made a hugely positive impact this Mitzvah Day.”

Mr Renak added: “The blood donations taken on the day will enable over 400 different patients to benefit from this session, a true exemplar of the meaning of Mitzvah Day.”

Mitzvah Day is an annual day of social action that aims to bring people together. Though it is led by the Jewish community, it bring together all different faiths.