This Thanksgiving season, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater extends heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers who stepped forward to ensure that individuals and families in the community did not go without a holiday meal. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of so many volunteers, Thanksgiving meals were distributed to more than 250 households, serving a total of 822 people.
The Jewish community recognized a need—and answered.
From its earliest beginnings in 1902 with the Hebrew Ladies Charity Society, Jewish Family Service has been rooted in the simple but powerful idea of neighbors helping neighbors. More than a century later, that guiding value remains unchanged. While the agency coordinates the work, it is truly the Jewish community—its leaders, volunteers, donors, and supporters—who make this effort possible. Together, the community continues the legacy of compassion, dignity, and responsibility that has shaped Jewish Tidewater’s communal story for generations.
This year’s Thanksgiving distribution was a reminder of what can be accomplished when the community comes together with purpose. Whether volunteers packed bags, directed traffic, lifted boxes, or shared a warm greeting, each contributed to bringing comfort and nourishment to those who needed it most. JFS is profoundly grateful for every act of kindness.
As JFS looks ahead, there are many more opportunities to make an impact. JFS relies on volunteers year-round to support food distribution, the pantry, deliveries to homebound clients, and other essential programs.
Together, Jewish Tidewater can continue to embody the enduring value of caring for neighbors—just as the Hebrew Ladies did more than a century ago, and as the community proudly does today.
To get involved, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish community services manager, at 757-321-2318 or jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.