I'm poor. But do my daughter's friends need to know?

by Shalvi Waldman

0 Comments | Tuesday, October 20, 2015 under Clothing and Shoe Exchange

Help us support Israeli families who are living in terrible poverty

I remember fifth grade. A girl with the wrong type of shirt or tights could be teased mercilessly, or worse, ignored. Children want desperately to fit in, to be invited to play with the popular girls at recess and to be invited to friends' homes in the afternoon.

Rivka shares her story:

"I'm a single mother working a full time, minimum wage job. My salary is not quite enough to pay the rent on our small apartment, pay the bills and keep food on the table. At the end of the month I am always in debt, the question is only by how much. Meat and chicken are simply not in our budget. And I'll tell you, even if I had 50 shekels extra, I wouldn't buy chicken. Yes protein is important, and it would be wonderful if our home was filled with the smell of a delicious chicken soup. But I wouldn't use the money to buy chicken, I would buy clothing for my daughter. Being dressed nicely lets her feel like a normal happy girl.

"Having a warm winter coat is essential. I simply cannot afford to heat our apartment at night. My daughter was able to stay healthy throughout the cold season by sleeping with her coat over her pajamas. She wore her coat nearly every day and night for months.

"It is true that there are many physical pleasures that my daughter doesn't have, but she does have health, happiness, emotional well-being, and good friends. The clothing that we receive from Yad Eliezer a few times a year has made a huge difference in our lives.

"There may be no money in my bank account, but as far as my daughter's friends and teachers are concerned, we are rich. And maybe they're right!"

Donate now to provide coats and winter clothing to families in need. A small donation can keep a child warm and healthy throughout the cold winter. It will warm your heart as well!

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