In just about a month, families will gather together to mark the start of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. This year Hanukkah begins at sundown Thursday, Dec. 10.
Yet there are hundreds in our Jewish community facing difficult times financially who will struggle to make the holiday bright.
You can help illuminate Hanukkah for 300 individuals by teaming up with Jewish Family Services for its annual Hanukkah Holiday Project.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has made things a bit challenging, the JFS team has created options for the public to help make provisions to keep everyone safe. Participating in the Hanukkah Holiday Project makes a difference.
“When volunteers step up to help out families, it changes their outlook on life,” said JFS therapist Kerry Scott. “Their burdens seem a little lighter. Parents can just enjoy the smiles on their children’s faces and believe things will get better for them and their families.”
Buying gift cards and donating them can go a long way for clients this Hanukkah. Gift cards allow clients to shop themselves for personal items as well as choosing groceries. JFS suggests purchasing gift cards in $25 increments from Target, Walmart, Amazon, Price Chopper, Hen House and HyVee. Mail the gift cards directly to the JFS office, 5801 W. 115th St., Suite 103, Overland Park, KS 66211. Mark the envelope “Att: Hanukkah Project.” Gift cards may also be dropped off in a secure orange box outside of JFS’ office at The J (Kansas office) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.
JFS is offering the option to shop for clients from the comfort of your home through online gift registries posted at, jfskc.org. JFS has taken great care in compiling wish lists based on clients’ requests. Choose what you like, and the gifts will be shipped directly to JFS to wrap and deliver before Hanukkah.
JFS can also shop on your behalf. Make a donation online to the Hanukkah Holiday Project at www.jfskc.org/donate-holiday/ and JFS will take care of the rest. You can also mail a check to the JFS office at the address above.
While the pandemic has forced JFS to cancel its traditional wrapping party, there are opportunities to deliver gifts to homebound clients from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8. If you would like to help deliver gifts, email .
