JFS will hold a food drive and Hanukkah Wrap Party this month and will offer peer-led support groups in 2023.
Food Drive
On Sunday, Dec. 18, Jewish Family Services, in partnership with the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City, will host its monthly drive-up communitywide food drive from 10 a.m. to noon in the front circle drive the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W. 115th St., in Overland Park. JFS volunteers will take donations from donors’ cars.
This month’s most needed items include canned chili, crackers, cooking oil, peanut butter, and sweet and salty snacks. Any unopened food, household or personal hygiene item within a year of the “best by” date can be donated.
Each month, JFS provides food, household supplies and personal hygiene items for approximately 800 families with dignity and care. About 50% of the Food Pantry’s donations come from the public.
Donations can also be dropped off in designated barrels located in the lobby of the Jewish Community Campus during business hours; at the JFS Brookside Pantry in the donation barrel by at the back of the building, 425 E. 63rd St., Kansas City; call (816) 333-1172.
Donations can also be shipped directly to JFS by purchasing from the “JFS Pantry” wishlist on Amazon.
More information is available by contact .
Hanukkah Wrap Party
JFS’ Hanukkah Project will provide hundreds of its Jewish clients with Hanukkah gifts. Because of donations from the community, there are many presents to wrap, and JFS is looking for volunteer wrappers for its Hanukkah Wrap Party.
The JFS Hanukkah Wrap Party will take place on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Social Hall of The J. Volunteers are needed to inventory and wrap gifts. In addition, volunteers are also needed to deliver gifts to clients later that day. The Wrap Party is an opportunity for families to volunteer together in a festive atmosphere. Those interested should contact .
JFS still needs gift cards to give to clients for Hanukkah. Donors can make a financial donation to JFS, and it will purchase the gift cards for them. Those interested can donate online or mail or deliver checks to JFS offices at the Jewish Community Campus or at JFS’ Brookside office at 425 E. 63rd St., Kansas City. For checks, “Hanukkah Project” should be written in the memo line. Gift cards should be donated in $25 increments. The donation deadline is Dec. 18.
Questions about the Hanukkah Project can be sent to .
Peer-led support groups
In early 2023, JFS will begin hosting peer-led support groups and is requesting input from community members.
The JFS Mental Health Programs Team has engaged in conversations with the Jewish community regarding the need for peer-led support groups for people who are affected by addictions, have lost a loved one to addiction, are members or advocates for the LGBTQAI+ community, or suffering from grief or loss.
“Support groups with peers who have similar life experiences can be one of the best approaches for understanding, growing and developing healthy connections without stigma, shame or blame,” said Sondra Wallace, JFS Director of Mental Health Programs. “Asking for support can be one of the hardest steps we take, and I am inspired to meet this need by the courageous folks who reached out to JFS.”
JFS is seeking input from Jewish community members who are interested in attending, facilitating, and/or learning more about these groups. Community members do not need to be a clergy, therapist, or doctor to facilitate.
Input can be provided at forms.office.com/r/pTkcTeNEYU until Jan. 13, 2023. Information is for planning purposes only; community members with suggestions will have the option to have JFS staff contact them directly.
Additional information or questions can be directed to Wallace at .