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Temple Beth El Blog

Baskets and Shoeboxes: Helping Others Enjoy the Holidays

10/16/2025 07:48:59 AM

Oct16

As the secular holidays approach, we begin to think about how we can help others who may not be able to buy food or gifts. Every fall, our Religious School students and families join the Goodman Community Center Thanksgiving Basket Drive, which provides 4,000 families with a full Thanksgiving feast. Last year our students collected over 500 food items, including stuffing mix, gravy, vegetables, and macaroni and cheese. A full list of the needed items is found here. You can participate even if you’re not a student—the collection bins will be in the community court from October 17 until 10:30 am on November 16, when the items will be counted and delivered.

You can continue to brighten the holidays for our community by participating in the Holiday Shoebox Giveaway at Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership. For the third year, our Racial Justice Action Team is inviting congregants to fill shoeboxes with small items for children, teens, or adults who might otherwise not receive any gifts during the holidays, including essential items such as shampoo and warm socks and fun items like toys and candy. This is great mitzvah to do with children and grandchildren. Check out the list of recommended items and fill your shoeboxes by December 7.
 

October 16, 2025 24 Tishrei 5786