Turkey trot

JCHS is thrilled to announce our new partnership with The Next Step, an organization dedicated to helping Israeli amputees rebuild their lives while fostering a community of love and support. Founded in 2012 as a U.S.-based pilot project, The Next Step initially provided high-end prosthetic care to Israelis with limb loss. By 2016, it evolved into a nonprofit organization in Israel, expanding its services to include social, emotional, and financial support, as well as advocacy for improved prosthetic care. Today, The Next Step serves over 4,600 members, remaining the leading advocate and support system for Israel’s limb-loss community, ensuring that no one faces this journey alone.

One of The Next Step’s most impactful initiatives is the Million Miler program. This program emphasizes that running for amputees is not just a sport—it is “a gateway to independence and self-empowerment.” Million Miler raises funds to provide amputees with the specialized prosthetics, training, and community support they need to participate in this vital and life-changing activity of running. By the summer of 2025, Million Miler aims to raise $250,000 to fund its operations.

How can you take part? It’s simple: run. By participating and logging your miles, you help fuel a global movement and show solidarity with the amputee community. In addition to running, you can contribute by helping to raise the necessary funds. This can include creating fundraiser pages, reaching out to your network, or donating your Maaser money.

As part of our Thanksgiving programming, JCHS is proud to partner with The Next Step and the Million Miler for our annual Turkey Trot. We are the only high school joining this incredible program, and it’s up to us to help Million Miler reach its goal of “a million miles.”

This year, we will welcome Managing Director David Farhi to our 5K trot. We encourage everyone to participate in this meaningful act of chesed by donating a minimum of $18 per family for the run. Whether you trot, walk, crawl, or sprint—your presence and support are what matter most.

We are proud to stand with those who need our advocacy and help make The Next Step’s vision of creating a thriving prosthetic community in Israel a reality.