Posted by Mikki Freedman-Weiss
Jane*, a new immigrant, found herself in a pivotal moment. She was faced with the challenge of living with continuous abuse at home or making the difficult choice to remove herself and her 6-year-old son and face the financial hardship that would result. In a new country with no support system, she bravely came to JF&CS seeking help and guidance. While JF&CS helped her navigate the challenges she faced as a survivor of abuse, she was also connected to the Center for Basic Needs Assistance to address financial challenges. Jane and her son received a camp scholarship so he could spend time this summer making positive memories and enhancing his sense of self. While her son was at camp Jane found employment and began to piece their new life together.
This holiday season Jane and her son will benefit from the Holiday Gift Card Drive. Jane will be able to make this holiday meaningful and special without putting herself in greater financial distress.
Our Gift Card Drive provides gift cards to families with children up to age 18. Providing parents with gift cards empowers them with the ability to choose the gift they feel is best suited for their children. Through the kindness and generosity of donors, the Gift Card Drive enables nearly 400 children in 100 different communities to receive gifts during the holiday season that might otherwise not.
Help us continue to provide families, like Jane's, with joy this holiday season. Your tax-deductible donation will bring great relief and dignity to parents and immeasurable joy to children.
You can donate in two ways:
- Donate Gift cards in $25 increments from the following stores: Target, Toys "R" Us, Best Buy, T.J. Maxx, or Marshall's. Gift cards may be mailed to: Holiday Gift Card Drive, JF&CS, 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451
- Let us do the shopping: Make an online donation.
Our deadline for donations is November 12. Thank you in advance for your support. Please contact us at giftcarddrive@jfcsboston.org if you have any questions.
*Name has been changed
Mikki Freedman-Weiss joined JF&CS as the Administrative Assistant for the Center Basic Needs Assistance in May. Previously, she lived and worked in Buffalo, New York where she taught preschool at the local JCC. Mikki earned a BA in psychology from Buffalo State College in 2012. Outside of work, Mikki volunteers for Girls on the Run, as a Big Sister with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters, and TeenSafe.