How we brought support and care to hundreds of older adults and Holocaust survivors during the Jewish High Holiday season
450 holiday care packages, festive meals for hundreds of older adults, and celebrations for those living alone: during the Jewish High Holiday season, we took part in Living In Hope’s activities to support older adults and Holocaust survivors and help them feel less alone during the holidays.
The activities combined food assistance with opportunities to spend time together. Alongside packages and meals delivered to people’s homes, holiday gatherings gave participants a chance to celebrate together. Volunteers and donors helped with preparations, deliveries, and events, sharing one goal: reaching people who needed practical support and companionship during the holidays.
450 holiday care packages
As part of the preparations, 450 packages were assembled. They were distributed as part of the holiday assistance effort, helping meet food needs during this period and bringing a little of the holiday into people’s homes.
Behind these packages were volunteers who gave their time to preparation and delivery. This was one of the main tasks: getting the assistance ready and bringing it to the people it was intended for. Preparations for the holiday gatherings and celebrations took place at the same time.
Holiday meals for hundreds of older adults
Hundreds of older adults received festive meals through the activities. Meals were delivered directly to their homes. They were one part of the holiday support, alongside care packages and social gatherings.
Holiday celebrations for older adults living alone
Alongside the food deliveries, we held holiday celebrations for older adults living alone. The aim was to give them an opportunity to celebrate with others and help them feel less alone at a time when gathering around the holiday table means so much.
The celebrations included refreshments and shared activities, with tambourines, clapping, and volunteers joining the guests. Holiday care packages and New Year greetings were also handed out during the gatherings.
These social gatherings were a central part of the activities, alongside food assistance. They gave participants an opportunity to go out, sit together, and mark the holiday in the company of others.
A shared effort by volunteers and donors
Preparing the packages, delivering meals, and holding the celebrations relied on volunteers, donors, and partners. Each contributed in their own way to an effort that supported hundreds of older adults and Holocaust survivors during the holiday season.
Thank you to everyone who joined the activities with Living In Hope. If you would like to take part in Notnim Gav’s work, information about volunteering and ways to support our activities is available on our website.
