JSSA and Community Partners Help Local Families Celebrate the Holidays By Providing Gifts

Now through the end of the year, JSSA (The Jewish Social Service Agency) and community partners are collecting monetary donations and gift cards for its nonsectarian “Give-a-Gift” program. Monetary and gift card contributions will afford families the dignity of choosing what is most important to them: holiday foods, warm winter clothing, toys for the children, or special items that will make their lives more comfortable throughout the year. The program supports newborns to 103-year-old adults including frail Holocaust survivors.

“When you ‘Give-a-Gift’ through JSSA, you are really providing two presents: a much-needed coat for the child and the opportunity for the parents to celebrate the holidays with dignity,” explains Natalie Merkur Rose, Director of Jewish Community Outreach.

Due to increased need, JSSA’s “Give-a-Gift” program has doubled in size over the past five years. Last year, with the help of JSSA’s community partners and individual donors, JSSA helped more than 500 local children, adults and seniors including 100 Holocaust survivors to celebrate the holidays comfortably.

“This program is all about community coming together to bring warmth and holiday spirit to those in greatest need,” says Diane Hays-Earp, Volunteer and Program Coordinator.

For more information about JSSA’s holiday “Give-a-Gift” program, please call 301.610.8395. Gifts can also be made online or through the mail (JSSA Give-a-Gift Program, 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD 20850).

If you would like to schedule an interview, or if you need any additional information, please contact Lise Bram at lbram@jssa.org or 301.610.8312.