November was a very big month for the Mitzvah Squad at Temple Israel in Norfolk.
The congregation ended October by starting its Jewish Family Service Chanukah Gift Card Drive to benefit underprivilege children. Thanks to Temple Israel’s members, $3,737 in gift cards to places such as Target, Kohl’s, Subway, Jersey Mike, Amazon, Visa, Dairy Queen, Burger King, and other establishments were contributed to assist families during this holiday season. Of that amount, $,1800 was in cash donations to purchase the gift cards; the rest were bought and donated by congregants.
These cards were presented to Jewish Family Service’s Jody Laibstain and Debbie Mayer. They could not stop thanking Temple Israel, indicating that the congregation gave the largest amount of gift cards than any other single organization. This year, JFS is providing gift cards to 50 kids, with the youngest three months old.
Muriel Hecht, Steve Legum, Lorna Legum, Mark Solberg, Richard Yanku, and Sgt. DJ Dajero braved the cold winds to do the drive-by on November 7 at Temple Israel.
At press time, the congregation is in the midst of its number two mitzvah project, The Jewish Family Service Pantry Food Drive. More than 1,000 items are already at the temple, ready to be distributed in December to JFS.
A drive-by drop off of food is planned on Sunday, December 12, 11 am to 1 pm in front of the temple on Granby Street. Items may also be dropped off at the temple, Monday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm. Monetary donations are also accepted and appreciated.
As the weather gets colder and miserable, remember there are people less fortunate who need help.
Contact Norman David Soroko, Temple Israel’s vice president of community and outreach at 757-641-3445 for help in buying or picking up items from your home.
–Norman David Soroko