Five Ways to Make it a Better Winter

Together we can warm families' lives

by KR

0 Comments | Monday, December 09, 2024 under Feed-a-Baby, Emergency Fund, Bar Mitzvah Project, Winter Warmth Campaign, Chanukah help, adopt a wedding, Electricity Support, Stand With Israel

It seems like it was just a few days ago that I was writing about Five Ways to Make it a Better Summer for needy families. But as it always seems to, time has apparently flown by and here we are at the start of winter. Colder weather has found its way to Israel and we’ve had a few days here and there of the critical rain we count on. But we’ve only just begun and if this winter is anything like others weather-wise, there is certainly more to come.

One of our responsibilities as a major charity for Israel is to ensure we’re prepared and ready to meet the challenges that needy families face. Winter is definitely one of them, and it’s a biggie. Very cold and stormy weather make this time of year an extended time of misery for families who don’t have the right necessities to help them get through it. So we are indeed prepared and ready to step in with impactful programs - and you can help.

Here are five ways to make it a better winter for families in need.

Winter Warmth campaign:
The name says it all. Everyone needs a good winter coat to protect them from the cold and rain. Everyone should also have a warm blanket to sleep under at night. Needy families are often lacking both, and can’t afford to buy new ones when the old ones get worn out, or are outgrown. Now in its 13th year, our Winter Warmth campaign is at its largest yet, with 25,050 brand new coats and 10,000 blankets going to needy families across the country. We ordered them at the start of the summer to ensure we’d receive the best quality items at the lowest cost, getting the most value out of every dollar our friends and supporters donate to Israel. By ordering early we also guarantee our shipments arrive in time for the cold and rain, so families can get through the season more comfortably. Our distributions are already underway.

Electricity Support:
If you’ve ever been in an Israeli home during the winter, you know how frigid it can be. The stone and cement construction of most apartments traps the cold (and the moisture) inside, making it unbearable to spend time in the house if there is no heat. Running the heat makes all the difference but when the cost of using it is not in the budget, it won’t be kept on for long and the comforting warmth dissipates in minutes. An unheated home in the winter is simply an unlivable one. According to a recent announcement, prices of electricity are going up again which is only adding increased stress to families who already can’t afford it. Our Electricity Support program is key to helping families stay functional and able to maintain a safe, warm, and normal home environment during the winter months.

Emergency Campaign:
Emergencies can strike at any time of the year, and our program supports families who can't afford the costs of handling them. Winter emergencies can include broken windows in the home, burst pipes, leaks in ceilings and walls that cause rain to seep in and cold weather related illnesses. With families spending more time inside, food costs also increase in the winter and thanks to higher prices in the supermarkets, families are having a harder and harder time keeping up. No matter the emergency, this program helps families cope, so they can retain stability in the home despite the crisis they’re facing.

Stand With Israel:
The winter is here and the war continues. Though some displaced families have been slowly able to return home, large numbers have not. Other families are reeling from the death of a soldier-father/husband/son, or are dealing with serious injuries that have left them hospitalized or in extended rehabilitation. People have lost their businesses and jobs. Families of hostages, fighting for their release and dealing with unimaginable challenges, are unable to work. The war has caused prices of food and electricity to increase substantially. IDF soldiers are in need of warm, protective gear to help them work as effectively as possible. Our Stand With Israel campaign continues to provide aid for soldiers and for families affected by the war, filling in the gaps and working to help them get through the cold winter as best as possible.
   
Chanukah Support:
Chanukah is all about family, warmth, light and miracles. So our Chanukah Support program works to ensure its beautiful essence is felt in the homes of families who are struggling, too. Donations make it possible for parents to buy necessities in their homes in honor of the holiday, and alleviate expenses and debts that would detract from it. A special Chanukah contribution will last beyond the holiday itself; by providing a family with support, their burden is lightened and they can work on meeting other needs in the home-the effect of which can last even after Chanukah is over. Your generosity helps sustain families’ hope and resilience long after the candles have gone out.

These are five ways to make it a better winter for families but the truth is, there are so many more. Want to guarantee a hungry baby will have enough formula for a warm bottle? Or that a widow or single mother will be able to pay her bills? How about helping make a winter wedding or gift a boy tefillin for his bar mitzvah? No matter what you choose, your donation will be used to the fullest - over 96% of every single contribution is sent directly to families in need. Check out all our programs that really make a difference, in the winter and throughout the year, here.
 

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