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III. Specially-Featured Heroes And ProjectsA. Miracle Worker: The Rabbanit Kapach ($31,250) While visiting Israel this past January, we hailed a cab to take us to the Rabbanit’s house. In the course of the ride we exchanged pleasantries with the driver and shared that we were on our way to visit the Rabbanit Kapach. With just the mention of her name, there was an immediate smile on the driver’s face as he excitedly extolled her praises and the fact that her husband, the late Rav Kapach, had made Kiddush at his wedding more than 20 years ago! That exchange was not unusual — most of Jerusalem’s residents know the Rabbanit Kapach for she and her work saving lives is legendary. How many people can boast of feeding 4500 families for Passover? The Rabbanit does that every year with her famous Pesach food distribution. Arnie Draiman, our Israel agent, reminded us recently that if you do the math, this is like feeding 20,000 people! Quite an accomplishment, we would say, and this is her 38th year. Lest you think that Pesach is the only time she feeds hungry people, we suggest that you visit her on a Friday morning when her doorbell rings incessantly. So many people know that they can count on her for some special Shabbat fare — home-baked fresh pita, a Jerusalem kugel, perhaps some of her very famous chilbeh! Her storage rooms are filled not only with donated clothes, but also with beautiful wedding gowns which she lends out to brides who would otherwise not have a special dress for their upcoming Simcha. For the past 37 years, during the hot summer months, many of Jerusalem’s poor families send their children to her summer camp to enjoy organized activities among friends. For tired mothers, the Rabbanit’s swimming classes are a welcome change in routine. (Swimming is one of the Rabbanit’s favorite activities!) Visit after visit, very little changes in this amazing woman’s work. The years pass and she never seems to tire. She remains undaunted by the tasks that she undertakes and if you should have the temerity to ask, “How will you pay for all of this?” the reply is always the same, “HaShem ya’azor, God will provide!” Apparently, God does (with human help as God’s messengers)! [The Rabbanit Bracha Kapach, 12 Lod St., Jerusalem, phone: 02-624-9296. She has incorporated her work as “Keren Segulat Naomi.” Tax-deductible contributions (minimum of $25) through PEF-Israel Endowments, Inc., 317 Madison Ave., #607, NY, NY 10017, 212-599-1260.] B. Ranya Kelly — It Started With Shoes ($30,114.34) The saying goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” While writing this report we decided to check the Ziv archives to learn just when Ranya Kelly and the Redistribution Center became a part of our work. This is what we found in the April 1, 1991 Annual Report: In a class by herself, Ranya Kelly started her work when she found 500 pairs of shoes in a dumpster…perfectly good, new shoes — due for a landfill. Not knowing what to do, she took them to a shelter, and now, 30,000 pairs of shoes later, she gets a few stores to set them aside for her. And more — people call her from everywhere with goods to get to people who need those goods: 1,000 blankets, 20,000 pounds of flour, 100 pairs of jeans, 250 sets of underwear, 4,000 pounds of gumballs…well over $1,000,000 worth of merchandise in the past few years… Fast forward 11 years and the story is the same — just the numbers have changed. Specifically, the number of shoes retrieved now far exceeds 650,000 and the total dollar value of retrieved and redistributed goods is nearly $15,000,000 dollars. This dollar amount is salvage value, often less than 1/3 the retail cost. We stand in awe of Ranya’s devotion to this cause. Taking no money for herself, her work has saved innumerable lives. As we reported last year, a generous donor has come forth to provide some of the funds needed to build a warehouse on Ranya’s property and this has certainly facilitated her work and eliminated the need for the rental of storage bins. More and more local volunteers are offering their support, but it is the unquestioned devotion of Ranya and her family that makes this all possible. She is a fine, fine example of the difference one person can make. [Ranya Kelly, c/o The Redistribution Center, 12681 West 49th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, 303-431-0904, fax: 424-3368.] C. A Package From Home (5,813.21)*It is just a year since we learned about Barbara Silverman and her work with Israeli soldiers fighting their country’s latest war, and we are happy to report that her work continues with the support and encouragement of so many people worldwide. Barbara’s story reminds us of just how much a single person can change the world. Years ago, Barbara and her husband passed an army post one Friday afternoon and realized that — while they were going home to a beautiful Shabbat — these soldiers, charged with protecting them, could only partake of some pre-cooked, no-doubt tasteless, food. And so, Barbara started her first project. Every Friday, Barbara and her husband prepared a full Shabbat meal and delivered it piping hot to the nearby base. It was only concern for the Silverman’s safety that ended this beautiful effort. With the outbreak of the latest violence in September, 2000, Barbara began A Package From Home. With encouragement and financial support from family and friends she assembled gift boxes filled with some special items — snack food, a new pair of warm socks or a cap for the damp winter months, an extra toothbrush or other toiletry items and, perhaps most important, a personal note to say “Thank you” for defending this country. Today, school kids in Israel and the United States provide not only financial support for Barbara’s work, but they write many of the notes that are included in the boxes, and have also sent thousands of items that for the boxes. So many soldiers have enjoyed A Package From Home! We do not doubt that that has made all the difference. [A Package From Home/AACI, Barbara Silverman, Keren Kayemet 12, Jerusalem, Israel, 011-972-2-623-2548, emess@netvision.net.il, www.apackagefromhome.org.] D. The Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association-Mitzvah Horses (INTRA) ($52,952.20) Anita and Giora Shkedi’s new therapeutic riding center is growing steadily. A year has passed since they started at their new location beside a peaceful Mediterranean beach, and much has been done to beautify the site. (They are located on the grounds of the Hadassah Neurim school.) While the physical plant undergoes changes, we have seen firsthand the miracles that therapeutic riding can bring about for people with many different types of disabilities. Though the primary focus is usually directed to people with physical disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, the aftermath of a stroke, other brain injuries, autism, neurological disease and many other disorders, Anita reminds us about the success she has recently had with people who have severe emotional and mental disabilities. She shared the following: I wish this was only a story, but unfortunately it is reality. One month ago, two social workers from an institution came to visit the farm, with a view to see whether the children that they cared for in their residential institution could start riding lessons. Unfortunately when they were told the price of the lessons, they immediately said it was impossible for them as they had no funding for such things…When Giora and I heard what these children had been subjected to, we decided that for a few weeks while we had student riding instructors at the farm we would offer these children free rides… Since that time, 20 children from the boarding school have been riding and working in the stables once a week. All the children have ADHD, they all have strong emotional and behavioral problems; they have come from homes where they have been physically or sexually abused, beaten or rejected and in some cases had been forced to experience heroin. In most cases they have only one parent, because the other is dead or is in prison or has just disappeared, and in some cases they have no parents. If they have one parent, in most cases they have rejected their child. This parent is likely to be on drugs or may be going in or out of prison for family violence. The result is that these children are desperate for affection, love and some sort of commitment from an adult. Others have resorted to violence or tried to commit suicide. All the children have been hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital and require at least five types of medication to survive on a daily basis. When the children came to the stables, it was wonderful to see how well they responded to the horses. They, like so many, got a strong feeling of love and support from the horse; their actions, strengths and weaknesses were not questioned. They did not have to explain to the horse how they were feeling that day, the horse always accepts them just as they are. These children have taken to riding, enjoying the strong sensory input from the horse, experiencing power and friendship as they rode by themselves around the arena. They become motivated…, and in this situation they found that they were able to take orders, and enjoy the consequences. In the same way, it became real fun to clean out their favorite horse’s box, picking up the droppings, pushing the wheel barrow, and make a nice safe home for the horse. In this atmosphere they experienced team work and new friendships. The social workers watched in amazement at their cherished little people. They saw a side of them that they truly believed did not exist. We remind religious school and day school teachers about “Hay for a Day,” a perfect way for schools to donate some of their Tzedakah money to this program. It costs about $9.00 a day to feed a horse, an easy sum for kids to raise in their weekly Tzedakah collection. [INTRA-Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association-Mitzvah Horses, Anita and Giora Shkedi, Hadassah Neurim, Hadassah Village, 40298, Israel, Giora’s cellphone: 054-645-886, Anita’s cellphone: 067-205-886, the phone at Hadassah Center: 09-866-6305, fax: 09-796-7705, agshkedi@bezeqint.net, www.intra.org.il.] E. International Resource: NARHA ($250) North American Riding for the
Handicapped Association (NARHA) is the umbrella organization for therapeutic
riding programs in the [NARHA, POB 33150, Denver, CO 80233, Attn: William Scebbi, phone: 800-369-RIDE (voice/message) or 303-452-1212, fax: 252-4610, narha@narha.org, www.narha.org. F. Bayit Cham: Treating People With Dignity ($31,500) The road to recovery for someone who has confronted mental illness is not an easy one. Society’s prejudices, along with the need to gain meaningful employment, are only two of the many difficulties facing such people. For those who are fortunate to have come to the attention of Rabbi Shmuel Munk, Yoram Mordechai, and their program, Bayit Cham, the journey can be easier and success even sweeter. Working in B’nai B’rak and other communities, Bayit Cham’s goal is to discover the strengths of these people and then place them in appropriate jobs that will strengthen their independence and resolve. Shmuel and Yoram take such pride in not only telling us about, but also showing us, first hand, their many success stories. While walking through numerous businesses near their home office, we see Bayit Cham workers engaged in meaningful employment. Newly-discovered talents in food service, silversmithing, flower arranging, printing and many more occupations, have changed lives forever. Bayit Cham now reports great success in the nature therapy it offers in the beautiful city of Tsefat and environs. Many of the people take part in nature walks and work with small animals as part of the therapeutic process. Shmuel’s and Yoram’s sweet and gentle nature is the perfect antidote to the mental distress experienced by the many people at Bayit Cham. [Shmuel Munk, c/o Bayit Cham, for mail:
19 Ra’avad St., B’nai B’rak, Israel, street address: 13 Rabbi Yishmael St.,
B’nai B’rak, G. Humans and Animals in Mutual Assistance in Israel-HAMA IL ($12,438.91) Since first mentioning Avshalom Beni and his special animal-assisted therapy program one year ago, we have had the opportunity to see, first-hand, the exciting benefits of this unusual project and we are greatly moved by its effectiveness. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) continues to gain popularity and acceptance by the mainstream medical and psychological community. We all know about guide dogs for blind people and other service and assistance dogs. Avshalom’s program is unusual in that many of the animals he uses themselves have disabilities and that offers an entirely new and powerful component to the therapy process. Also part of HAMA IL’s program is its Geriatric Adoption Program for Retired Elderly Service dogs for blind people. This unusual program is the first and only one of its kind in Israel. Prior to its inception, service dogs that came to work in Israel years ago were occasionally retired in some very unfortunate and tragic ways. Avshalom’s program rescues these dogs and uses their unusual talents and experience in centers for abused children, battered women and families in crisis. Much like humans, the wisdom of elderly dogs can also effect positive change. We are very excited about Avshalom’s work, and have introduced many B’nai and B’not Mitzvah students to its wonders. They, in turn, have decided to help Avshalom’s efforts by sharing part of their gifts with HAMA IL. [HAMA-IL (Humans and Animals in Mutual Assistance in Israel), Avshalom Beni, Program Director, Kibbutz Givat Haim Ichud, Emek Hefer, 38935, Israel, 04-636-9443, cellphone: 051-354-844, avshalom_beni@hotmail.com.] H. Dream Machine ($11,469) How many people know that 80% of the people who live in nursing homes never have visitors? How many people know that the average nursing home appropriates approximately 3-5 cents per day for an activities program! For people who are confined to a nursing home, it is those very activities that they need to keep depression at bay. One cannot help but wonder why every nursing home is not a subscriber to Second Wind Dreams and its truly life-altering program. The premise is quite simple. Asking the residents the direct question, “What would make you happy?” and then granting that wish can be tremendously powerful. Interestingly, PK’s research shows that it is not just the residents who derive pleasure from the granting of wishes — staff members also feel empowered and more positive about their work. Some heartening examples: Mae Bailey, a 61 year old woman, blind and disabled by the ravages of diabetes. Her wish? To relive the excitement she experienced as a youngster riding the seven cyclones at Six Flags Amusement Park. With the help of her nursing home’s “dreamweaver,” the person responsible for facilitating these “dreams,” Mae visited the park and rode, not one, not two — but all seven of the park’s cyclones! (You should know that the CNN cameraman filming this lost his lunch after only three rides.) An even more profound wish was that of a 92-year-old woman who had lived her entire life with crossed eyes. Her family, never sympathetic to the disability, even ridiculed her desire to change that upsetting aspect of her appearance. When SWD got involved, even they had difficulty, as many doctors refused to perform the surgery on such an “old” woman. At last, one eye surgeon was found who performed a simple surgical procedure and undid what had been the source of a lifetime of despair! In order to dispel, once and for all, the naysayers’ comments that these dreams are fun but really no more than “fluff,” PK has recently started a Dreams Impact Study. The following narrative is a result of one piece of the study. We believe that it says a great deal about the power of her work: During our dreams discovery, we found that a number of women wanted to cook again. They especially wanted to cook FOR someone. Since 80% of the residents in this ECC [Elder Care Community] have no visitors, it was clear that the “someone” would be the staff. We decided that the in-service on Dec 13th, right in the middle of the holiday season, would be the best time for this dream so the residents could make holiday goodies for the staff…. All baking goodies had been generously donated by area merchants, and the eight dream residents were brought to the dining room long before the in-service. The number quickly grew to about 12. One table was added to another until there was one very long table in the middle of the dining room surrounded by women whose basic mantra was, “I haven’t cooked in years, I don’t think I can do this.” Even so, plain sugar cookies and un-iced vanilla cake along with baking sheets and dough, were put on the table….. And that’s when it happened; no, that’s when the magic happened. With little assistance, these ladies went to work, each to her own task, talking a little about baking and what a good job everyone else was doing. Suddenly, there were no wheelchairs, crippled hands, dementia or tremors…….there were women making holiday goodies for the people they loved. The nursing home dining room was at once transformed into a kitchen of Christmas past with sisters, aunts and cousins all preparing the meal. And then, from one end of the table a lone voice began to sing, “Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, please to put a penny in the old man’s hat”…….As the song was picked up all around the table, the joy was tangible, and a regular caroling session ensued. We weren’t in a nursing home at all. The power of the dream had transcended reality. As the women were finishing up, the staff filed in for the in-service complete with refreshments unknowingly made especially for them. At the close of the in-service the final dream was revealed, and when the staff realized that the baked goods were made for them by the residents, the hugs, tears and love created warmth that can only come from above. There was even a difference in the way the staff looked at the residents and the residents at the staff. After spending time with PK, hearing her stories and her passion, we cannot help but think that every one of us should be engaged in some type of dream-making activity. We salute PK and her staff for fighting on behalf of an oft-neglected human segment of our community. We hope that one day her program will be standard fare for every eldercare institution.
[Second Wind Dreams, P.O. Box 529, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Attn: PK Beville, 678-624-0500, fax: 624-9578, swdream@bellsouth.net, www.secondwind.org.] I. Gift of Life Foundation ($5,000) It has been nearly seven years since Jay Feinberg received his own successful bone marrow transplant and we continue to be awed by his energy and devotion to helping others who have been told that such a procedure is their only hope. Because of the efforts of Jay and his family (preceded, of course, by the family of Allison Atlas) thousands of Jews throughout the world have been screened and typed and placed in the Gift of Life registry. The Feinbergs believe that more than 400 people were saved as a result of the many, many drives they held when trying to find a match for Jay, as well as during subsequent drives in the past few years. Today, Jay and GOL work to educate Jews about the importance of being tested, and also run drives and lend support to many others who need a transplant. Our donation was used to re-test samples taken years ago with new, more sophisticated procedures. This simple procedure may uncover even more critical matches. One important thing we should all know — today a simple swab of the mouth is sufficient to retrieve cells to be tested. No one should use his or her fear of a needle as a valid reason not to be tested! [Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, Inc., PO Box 6429, Delray Beach, FL 33482, 800-9-MARROW (962-7769), fax: 800-707-5343, info@giftoflife.org, www.giftoflife.org.] J. Nursing Homes for the New Millennium: Dr. Thomas’s Eden Alternative ($5,889.66) At once revolutionary and, for the most part, easy to understand, Dr. William Thomas’s method of revolutionizing nursing homes is spreading throughout the United States and other parts of the world. He calls it “The Eden Alternative,” though the title of one of his books says it better, Life Worth Living: How Someone You Love Can Still Enjoy Life in a Nursing Home. So astonishing is his vision and plan of action, six states have set their goals to change their state-owned homes to the Eden Alternative: Missouri, Texas, North and South Carolina, New Jersey, and Tennessee. There are now 235 Eden-type homes in the United States, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Japan, and Switzerland. Two statistics alone should whet our appetites to learn more: (1) In the first nursing home Dr. Thomas worked with, he managed to cut the medications in half — they were no longer necessary — in 21⁄2 years, with half the infections in comparison to pre-Eden days, and (2) a study conducted by Sandy Ransom of Southwest Texas State University at seven Edenized Texas facilities yielded the following statistics (among others): (a) 57% decrease in Stage I and Stage II pressure sores, (b) 60% decrease in behavioral incidents, (c) 25% decrease in bedfast residents, (d) 18% decrease in restraints, and (e) 48% decrease in absenteeism. Reading these numbers, we can only say Wow!…and then, I believe, we need to learn more and put his words and vision into action. Unfortunately, few Jewish homes have chosen to explore this possibility for their facilities. Levindale, in Baltimore, is one shining example (and the first Eden home in the state of Maryland). Contact Judith Minkove at 410-601-2296, minkove@lifebridgehealth.org, for information for your own Jewish community home. We also commend the Jewish communities in Omaha, Memphis, and Cincinnati for their Edenizing efforts. We highly recommend you read not only Bill’s first book, but also Learning From Hannah, Dr. Thomas’s novel about Eden. Both books are available in bookstores as well as from the publisher, VanderWyk and Burnham: vburnham@publicom1.com (That’s a numeral “1” before the dot), www.VandB.com. To place orders: 800-789-7916, editorial offices: 978-263-5906. [The Eden Alternative, c/o Dr. William Thomas, 742 Turnpike Rd., Sherburne, NY 13460, 607-674-5232, fax: 674-6723, info@edenalt.com, www.edenalt.com.] K. Stanly Manor — Biker Babes and Biker Brutes ($500) If we should have to spend our last days in a nursing home, Stanly Manor in Albemarle, NC, would be the ideal! Robin Moose and Beth Huber are incredibly imaginative when it comes to providing activities for the residents of that home. Our favorite (of many activities) is the annual party at the home where they meet up with the local bikers for a day of fun and food. The naming of the “Biker Babe” and “Biker Brute” is always the highlight of the event. We believe that every home should follow their example. People in a nursing facility still need to have fun. [Stanly Manor, Inc., 625 Bethany Rd., Albemarle, NC 28001, 704-982-0770, Attn: Beth Huber or Robin Moose, beth@stanly.org.] L. Songs Of Love ($6,500) Whenever I am feeling down or having a bad day, I like to listen to my song ’cause it says all the good stuff about me. My mom surprised me with the song. That day I didn’t feel happy. When I heard the song it cheered me up. I was so happy it brought tears to my eyes. I am writing this letter to let you know how happy I am ’cause of this song. Thank you. This 13-year-old cancer patient says it better than anything we could write. Such is the power of John Beltzer’s incredible program, Songs of Love. The organization was founded in 1996, when John, a talented musician and composer, was seeking some peace-of-mind in his own life. Seemingly from out of nowhere, the idea came to him to write songs for kids and young teens that are cancer patients or suffer from other chronic illnesses. To date, more than 3000 kids have been comforted by the words and music of their own “personal” song. Working from personal information provided by family or medical personnel, John and his talented staff compose and record a very special song that includes details and information about that child. It is one of the most powerful therapeutic tools we can think of. Many families report that their children can undergo what were once painful procedures with little or no discomfort at all. The smiles and tears these songs evoke are truly priceless. [John Beltzer, President, c/o Songs of Love, Inc., POB 750809, Forest Hills, NY 11375, 800-960-SONG (= 7664), or fax: 718-441-7372, songslove@aol.com, www.songsoflove.org.] M. Books, Bears, and Bonnets ($5,000) Anyone facing the rigors of cancer
treatment knows firsthand the pain, the fear and the uncertainty such treatment
brings. For Merrily Ansell the experience was one she shared as her sister fought
a long and arduous battle with cancer. Though her sister did not survive, Merrily
vowed to help others who were faced with the same challenges. That vow became
Books, Bears and Bonnets, a Maryland-based program that provides a personal
gift to patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy at more than a dozen hospitals
in the Washington/Baltimore area (and now spreading to other states). Upon
We are impressed with the growth BBB has achieved since it was started just a few years ago. We have heard many exciting stories from Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids who have contacted Merrily and helped her in her work as part of their Mitzvah project. [Books, Bears and Bonnets, Merrily Ansell, 10844 Antigua Terrace, #103, N. Bethesda, MD 20852, 301-881-2883, manmd@starpower.net, www.booksbearsbonnets.org.] N. Rock And Wrap It Up! ($11,000) Syd Mandelbaum and his volunteers are still collecting leftovers from lavish buffets served backstage at rock concerts, from corporate meetings and conventions, and film, fashion and commercial events. To date, more than 4,000,000 pounds of food that have filled more than twelve million plates have been retrieved by more than 1500 volunteers operating in 400 cities. The premise is simple — wherever food is served, there are leftovers. RWR’s school food-retrieval program has been introduced to hundreds of schools, where cafeteria leftovers are now retrieved and students learn about the importance of helping others. This year, RWR was selected by
the national fraternity, Pi Lambda Phi, to help introduce the College Wrap program
to 53 college campuses in the United States and Canada. Just think about
all of the food that will be saved and fed to hungry people from this program
alone. We hope that this dedicated fraternity
[Rock and Wrap it Up!, Attn: Aimée Z. Holtzman, Executive Director, 405 Oceanpoint Ave., Cedarhurst, NY 11516, 516-822-3457, fax: 827-1953, aiméezholtzman@aol.com, www.rockandwrapitup.org.] n.b.: To locate a food retrieval service in your area, contact America’s Second Harvest, 35 E. Wacker #2000, Chicago, IL 60601, phone: 800-771-2303, fax: 312-263-2303, www.secondharvest.org. O. The 11-10-02 Foundation ($1,650)*Greg Siegman, the founder of the 11-10-02 Foundation, based in Chicago, has inspiring stories to tell. While we knew that his organization provided scholarships to young people who would otherwise not be able to pursue a college education, we had never met him personally until this past February at a Chicago conference. Greg’s messages resonated for everyone (mostly college students from around North America) sitting in that audience. BrunchBunch.com is part of the 11-10-02 Foundation (on that date Greg will celebrate his 30th birthday — a true testament to the power of youth) and it meets for brunch every Sunday at a Chicago eatery. In attendance is a group of local students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and adults, all professionals with varied skills. While everyone enjoys a nice brunch at some of the city’s top restaurants, the discussions are far more important. Frank and open talks that break down stereotypes and preconceived notions are the order of the day. The professionals also offer invaluable networking and mentoring opportunities as well. To date, the 11-10-02 Foundation has not only disbursed thousands of dollars worth of scholarships, but has also broken down many barriers between people of different backgrounds. Greg is a dynamic speaker and is available for talks. We particularly recommend his program for college and high school students. Visit Greg’s website to read “Our Story” — it is a fascinating tale about an unusual and dynamic young man who has dedicated himself to making a difference in the most unconventional ways. [The 11-10-02 Foundation (ShakingUpChicago.com), PO Box 11167, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-654-8760, brunchbunch@aol.com, www.ShakingUpChicago.com and www.BrunchBunch.com.] P. Happy Birthday To You... ($3,471.02) When Stacey Wolsten and her husband went searching for some meaningful Mitzvah activity they could do with their children, they were disappointed. Because some of the Wolsten children are so young, no one wanted their help. What does a parent do? For Stacey, the solution was easy — start your own program! And that is how the Happy Birthday Foundation started. Not yet two years old, Stacey’s program provides birthday parties, complete with balloons, cake, ice cream, games and, of course, presents, for kids living in local shelters. Stacey’s thinking was correct — for families living in a shelter, celebrating a birthday is difficult, if not impossible. With little or no money, and no family home in which to hold it, a party is out of the question. Today, Stacey, her family, and a crew of volunteers provide nearly 30 parties each month and the idea is catching on outside of Stacey’s hometown. Actually, the idea is really exploding everywhere, with many people who want to become part of the program. Even Bar and Bat Mitzvah students have signed up to organize birthday parties as part of their Mitzvah project. We are impressed with Stacey’s Mitzvah thinking and know that this is a perfect project that will grow as more and more people learn about it. [The Happy Birthday Foundation, attn: Stacey Wolsten, POB 7, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, 732-254-5914, 888-671-BDAY, bdayfoundation@aol.com, www.birthdayfoundation.org.] Q. If The Shoe Fits ($5,000) Two recent letters from Elodie Silva McGuirk, Shoes That Fit founder, point out just how important a new pair of shoes can be to a child whose family is too poor to buy them. One was from a child who had just gotten a pair of new shoes and included a drawing of a youngster smiling with the note, “Thank you for the shoes. Now I can jump and run.” The second letter came from a school nurse, so many times the most important person on a school staff when it comes to children’s well-being: One of the children received his shoes on Wednesday and I happened to see him in the hallway on Thursday. When he looked at me he was smiling from ear to ear with his new shoes on… He had a bounce in his step and his head held high. It is amazing that such a small item could make such a huge difference in a child’s life. In the year 2001, STF distributed more than 60,000 pieces of clothing, including shoes, nationwide and now has more than 324 sites in 23 states involved in its work. Since STF’s inception, more than 150,000 school children have been helped through their efforts. Our donation this year made it possible for them to expand their work to more places by providing for essential office equipment. We have known Elodie since she started Shoes That Fit and we continue to be impressed with the way she has changed so many lives. [Shoes That Fit, Attn: Elodie Silva McGuirk, 689 West Foothill Blvd, Suite #B, Claremont, CA 91711, 909-482-0050, fax: 482-0085, info@shoesthatfit.org, www.shoesthatfit.org.]
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For more information, contact Naomi Eisenberger, Ziv Tzedakah Fund Tel: 973-763-9396, Fax: 973-275-0346 Copyright 2005 Ziv Tzedakah Fund |
