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Every Monday night, the executive director of Oakland's Reform Temple Sinai heads to Children's Hospital in Oakland.

Once there, she pours attention on kids with chronic and terminal illnesses such as cancer, sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis.

"It puts life in perspective as soon as I walk in that door," Brill says. "The parents are very, very grateful."

For the past year, Brill has been a regular volunteer. The idea came from a teenage congregant who was already volunteering there.

She "thought I would love it," Brill says. "I observed her one day and the next week I signed up for training. I got my shots, a physical. And onward I went."

Another event helped push her in the hospital's direction. One of Brill's close friends who lost a son described how wonderful people were during the ordeal and what a difference it made for her.

While Brill relies largely on instinct when she spends time with the children, there's no doubt that her day job has helped prepare her. And there's no question that she goes beyond her job description for congregants.

For example, she aids families who can't afford a bat or bar mitzvah party by lining up volunteers to help with everything from food to flowers. She visits congregants in the hospital and stays with children when a parent has to be rushed to the hospital.

She comforts bereaved families, listens to tales of financial woes and offers an understanding ear to parents suffering through their children's adolescence. She even helped move a temple family into an apartment.

Last year, Brill received the Award for Service to Community from the 300-member National Association of Temple Administrators.

At the hospital, Brill prefers visiting children one-on-one in their rooms, instead of in the playroom. She holds the children and feeds them. She sometimes assists staff members when they change dressings or practice breathing techniques with the youths.

Depending on the age of the children, she will read, play games and even sing. According to Brill, the children don't even mind that she's tone deaf.

"When I walk into the room, sometimes the crib is filled with mobiles, stuffed animals and other toys," Brill says. "If [the crib] is empty it means the child is from a foster home, or has parents with drug or financial problems. Those are the children I gravitate to."

In addition to helping children, Brill gives parents support, comfort and often a much-needed break from their bedside vigils.

"I also try to spend a lot of time talking to parents," she says.

Patients, parents and the staff appreciate such efforts.

Laura Bergang, assistant coordinator of the volunteer program, said staying in a hospital is scary, strange and often lonely for children. Volunteers offer the nurturing, stimulation and individual attention that nurses are often too busy to provide.

"Margi is great," says Dr. Carolyn Hoppe, an oncologist. She always asks whether there's "anyone who could particularly use some company. She's good with different age groups and ethnic backgrounds. She's very warm and easy to be with. I just wish there were more volunteers like her."

Brill doesn't volunteer for recognition, though. Just being with the children and seeing a twinkle in their eyes is reward enough.

"I started doing it because I knew I had a lot to give. I wanted to make a difference," Brill says. "It just makes me feel good. I guess that makes me who I am."