JFS completes 2023 Hanukkah Project - Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

More than 300 Jewish individuals and families were able to receive Hanukkah gifts because of Jewish Family Services’ (JFS) 2023 Hanukkah Project.

The project culminated in JFS’ annual Gift Wrap Party at the Jewish Community Campus.

The gifts were made possible by community financial donations, and they were wrapped and delivered with the help of 143 volunteers at the Gift Wrap Party. Members of JFS’ Emerging Leaders program and the National Charity League were among the volunteers.

National Charity League volunteers who attended JFS’ Hanukkah Gift Wrap Party included (front row, from left) Liz Benditt, Charlotte Crocker, Katherine Copaken, Brielle Baisden; (back row from left) Eve Benditt, Cari Crocker, Kristen Fromm, Lucy Fromm, Maria Schlichting, Sophia Schlichting, Mia Irwin and Casey Irwin.

JFS Emerging Leaders who helped run JFS’ 2023 Hanukkah Project are pictured at the Hanukkah Gift Wrap Party: (back row, from left) Ethan Helfand, Michael Portman, Justin Cosner, Deanna Culver, Andi Kahclamat, Emily Neuberger, Nora Freyman, Brian Goodman; (front row, from left) Nina Geller, Laura Slosky, Sarah Freyman and Maddie Reiches.

Emerging Leaders members were heavily involved in the 2023 Hanukkah Project. Emerging Leaders Andi Kahclamat and Emily Jae Neuberger co-chaired the effort in partnership with Rachel Ohlhausen, JFS’ director of program operations.

“Each year, we support Jewish clients connected with JFS through the pantry, social work and other programs by helping with the holidays,” said Rachel Ohlhausen, JFS director of program operations, upon the launch of the 2023 Hanukkah Project. “Hanukkah is a meaningful time for all, and with the community [that] donates time, money and gifts, families in tight financial circumstances don't have to go without [them]."