Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Jewish people this time of year. The holiday focuses on religious freedom and generally is celebrated at home with the lighting of the Menorah each of the eight nights of the holiday. Small gifts are exchanged, traditional holiday foods (made with oil) such as potato latkes are enjoyed, and games of dreidel are played to commemorate the festival. This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown Thursday, Dec. 10.
Each year, Jewish Family Services conducts a Hanukkah Project, requesting gifts to be distributed to more than 350 local individuals and families who would otherwise go without at this time of year. In the past, scores of volunteers have helped purchase items and wrapping gifts at a “wrap party” before delivering in person to grateful clients.
Despite COVID-19, JFS is not letting a pandemic stop the effort to extend generosity, warmth and kindness to those who need it most. About 350 clients will receive gifts, thanks to a hybrid model JFS put together making sure all recipients safely receive their gifts.
Here are some of the steps JFS has taken to “pandemic proof” the Hanukkah Project 2020 gift:
Online Gift Registries at Target and Amazon allowing recipients to create wish lists and donors to “shop” from the safety of their homes
Gift Cards in increments of $25 for all adults (18 and older) to increase choice for clients and minimize direct contact
Rather than a large wrapping party, JFS staff and small numbers of volunteers are wrapping gifts taking distancing precautions and wearing masks
Volunteer families are assembling Hanukkah Goody Bags with cards and games to distribute to recipients with the Hanukkah packages
Contactless Pickup at the Jewish Campus Dec. 7 and 8; Brookside office on Dec. 9. A small number of volunteers will deliver Hanukkah packages to older adults without direct contact.
