This Sukkot, Jewish Family Service celebrated the holiday’s spirit of gratitude and community by launching its “Fill the Sukkah” Food Drive — an initiative that combined tradition with tzedakah.
Instead of decorating a traditional sukkah this year, JFS invited the community to fill a small tabletop sukkah with food to help feed local families in need. The mini sukkah was built and displayed in the lobby of the Sandler Family Campus, serving as a cheerful reminder of the holiday and a collection point for non-
perishable donations.
The drive began on October 3 and aimed to stock the JFS Food Pantry in preparation for its Thanksgiving food drive. As families gathered to share meals in their sukkahs, JFS encouraged everyone to remember that some neighbors struggle to put food on their tables.
In addition to the display at the Sandler Family Campus, synagogues, Jewish organizations, and community partners were invited to participate by hosting their own collections or arranging pickups directly with JFS. The response was heartwarming — each donation added to the spirit of giving that defines this season.
“Sukkot reminds us to be thankful for what we have and to extend that gratitude to others,” says Kelly Burroughs, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Tidewater. “By filling our sukkah with food instead of decorations, we’re not only honoring the traditions of the holiday but also ensuring that families in our community have what they need. It’s a beautiful reflection of what Sukkot is all about — kindness, generosity, and caring for one another.”
The “Fill the Sukkah” initiative is a powerful reminder that even small acts of generosity can make a big impact. Through the support of the community, JFS continues its mission to ensure that no one is forgotten and that every family has access to nutritious food.
Together, the JFS sukkah was filled with kindness to help feed the community.