Local Relationships Matter
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE
Jewish Family Service helps hundreds of local people during Fall 2021 outreach projects Debbie Mayer
N
ow in its 29th year, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater’s Annual Hanukkah outreach programs helped local Jewish families in financial need. Because of safety concerns with COVID-19, families received assorted gift cards for each Temple Israel members deliver food from the congregation’s food drive to JFS. child, along with a small bag filled with chocolate gelt and Beyond financial support, other gifts dreidels. VISA gift cards were sent to and acts of kindness included: families without children. Families who • The “Knitting for Others” volunteers receive Kosher Meals on Wheels and made more than 150 lap blankets and Jewish individuals who are socially isoscarves that were distributed to clients. lated or living in facilities received a box • Hundreds of beautifully knitted hats of Hanukkah-themed cookies. and gloves were donated by the “Knit and The community response this year Chat” group at the Talbot on Granby. One was incredible, raising nearly $21,000 in volunteer made handmade quilts for both gift card and cash donations. JFS received adults and children. donations from individuals, families, • Ohef Sholom Temple’s Religious School groups, companies, organizations, conmade 75 Hanukkah treat bags that were gregations, and schools. Staff and families filled with cookies, gelt, and dreidels. JFS from Strelitz International Academy condistributed these to seniors in nursing tributed money and gift cards amounting facilities or senior living apartments. to more than $2,100. Temple Israel held a • JFS’ food pantry shelves were stocked gift card drive and was the largest group on December 12 from a magnificent food donor in the history of this program with drive organized by Temple Israel. Teens $3,390 in donated gift cards. and young adults helped sort and shelve This year, a total of 286 different local the donations from this food drive. Jewish people (50 of whom are children • JFS staff held a Thanksgiving food and teens with specific wish lists) bendrive in November and collected toiletries efited from the program. Families will and personal hygiene supplies for clients continue to benefit from these donations in December. as JFS provides gift cards and financial “I am constantly reminded of what assistance toward rent/mortgage, meda wonderful community I am part of,” ication, food, gas, clothing, and school says Jody Laibstain, JFS volunteer and supplies throughout the year. special projects coordinator. “People want “The gift cards relieved some of the to help others in so many ways—donating financial burden of the holidays,” says one time, talents, food, and money. Jewish recipient. “As a single mom, I wanted to Family Service could not do the wonderensure my child enjoyed this time of year. ful things that we do without the support The donated gift cards helped immensely. of our donors.” Thank you all so much.” In addition to its Hanukkah campaign,
MEET:
Karen Joyner
As the Chief Executive Officer at the Peninsula Foodbank, she believes the Foodbank not only distributes food but is also the spokesperson for those who otherwise don’t have a voice. “There are so many low income individuals who haven’t received any benefit from the recovering economy and those who because of their life circumstances need help every now and then. We are there to help ensure their voices are heard.”
“
“Since 2004, when I started with the Foodbank and got to know Payday Payroll, I have always felt that Payday has been involved and helped to build it’s business through positive support for others in the community, both non-profits and start up businesses. I particularly appreciate the generosity that Payday has shown to the nonprofits in our community.”
“
Our client relationships are anything but transactional. We are long-term partners, dedicated to the success of our clients, and most importantly, their people.
757-523-0605 paydaypayroll.com
PD-ad-three-eighths-V-color-Jewish News-111320.indd 6
JFS also provided support to families in need at Thanksgiving. The Milk and Honey Food Pantry and the Community Food Pantry distributed 85 turkeys and bags with all the trimmings to help families have a Thanksgiving dinner. The food and turkeys were given by Chesbay Distributing and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. To help local Jewish families in need yearround, consider: • Donating food, gas and grocery store gift cards, or cash.
Payroll Benefits HR
11/13/20 2:56 PM
• Donating grocery bags; toiletries, cosmetics, bath and body products; Judaic/Jewish items; school supplies; baby supplies; paper goods; and cleaning/ household supplies. • Volunteering. All donations to JFS are tax deductible. For more information about making a contribution of food or personal hygiene items, contact Jody Laibstain; for other gifts, contact Brooke Rush. They may both be reached by calling 321-2222.
jewishnewsva.org | January 24, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 15
