A local Jewish man with two young children came to Jewish Family Service for help with his family and overdue bills. He had lost his full-time job when his workplace unexpectedly shut down. He did not have enough funds to pay bills and have anything else left over. JFS used donor funds to pay his overdue electric bill and gave him some groceries. He told the JFS case manager that he wanted to get his sons winter coats and a few games. Because of the generosity of donors at Hanukkah, he received new winter coats, gloves, hats, school supplies, a bicycle, pants, shoes, books, and games for each of his children. He was very surprised and told JFS, “I did not know that strangers would be so kind. This will truly be a special holiday for our family now. Please tell everyone thank you!”
Now in its 30th year, Jewish Family Service’s annual Chanukah Gift Program began in November. This program provides holiday gifts to local Jewish children and teens in financially struggling families. JFS is asking the local community to continue its tradition of helping again this year In addition to the gifts used during Hanukkah, many are distributed throughout the year. JFS expects to serve more than 50 different local Jewish children and teens in 2022.
The wish list of what these children and teens need is long. For donors, this is an opportunity to do a mitzvah for children who have no choice in their families’ financial situation. For young donors, this is a way to learn and practice tzedakah, giving to others, as they shop with parents for gifts for other children, knowing that the gifts will make a significant impact.
How to Help
• Purchase new, unwrapped gifts, both fun and practical for specific children and teens in need… Donors may call JFS at 757-459-4640 for children’s wish lists.
• Go shopping and buy some extra items for those in need.
• Send JFS gift cards from local department stores, electronics stores, music stores, and grocery stores, to allow families go shopping themselves.
• Send JFS a tax deductible cash donation, and JFS will do the shopping.
All Hanukkah donations must be received by December 5, 2022. Checks should be made payable to Jewish Family Service and sent to JFS, Attn: Maryann Kettyle, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Jewish Family Service assists local Jewish families in need at all times of the year and will keep any surplus donations for use throughout 2022–2023.
For more information, contact Maryann Kettyle, JFS case manager, at 757-459-4640 or MKettyle@jfshamptonroads.org.