By Lisa Kalal, Director of Women's Philanthropy

Federation’s Women's Philanthropy organized a group of women and their children to donate Kosher Passover foods and assemble 250 bags for Hand Up Youth Food Pantry at Jewish Family Service of San Diego, a longstanding partner agency of Jewish Federation of San Diego County.

The volunteers stuffed each care bag was filled with Passover items -- candles, matzah, gefilte fish, grape juice, macaroons, matzo ball soup mix, and more! There was PLENTY of food, all thanks to community members who responded to Federation's email plea to help and from donations brought by each volunteer!

Our hardworking volunteers were also treated to an overview of Federation's role in our Jewish community and learned how the Hand Up Youth Food Pantry works.

Volunteers enjoyed a special moment when Jewish Family Service's Geriatric Case Manager and the Holocaust Survivors Case Manager peeked their heads in the room to see what the activity was and were delighted to know that Women's Philanthropy board members and volunteers were assembling Passover care bags that would mean so to their clients!

Kol HaKavod to everyone who came out in the rain and who happily emptied boxes and filled bags, placing in each one not just a Passover item but also Chesed (kindness), Rachamim (compassion), and commitment to Kehillah (community).

Federation's Women’s Philanthropy Board plans to organize more of this kind of hands-on volunteering as events throughout the year. If you couldn't join us this time, we hope to offer another opportunity soon for you to join us!