Date
October 9, 2022
Time
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Location
Congregation Emanu El
It might be “just a basket” to some, but to immigrants who are new to Houston as well as families in need, a basket full of useful housewarming, culturally appropriate items is just the ticket to make a move into an empty apartment a little bit easier. This is the focus of Sisterhood’s Social Action initiative: the creation of decorated laundry baskets filled with essentials for many in our community who need it most. Working directly with Interfaith Ministries and Jewish Family Service, the congregation-wide project will create 20 baskets for each group, a total of 40 baskets, to be delivered to the families in November and December.
Sisterhood’s Social Action Vice Presidents Susie Askanase and Amy Kapiloff are leading this effort and are excited to work alongside both Interfaith Ministries and Jewish Family Service in this meaningful initiative. Helping families begin their new lives in Houston is certainly something we can all support and feel good about. This is our way of giving back the help so many of our so many of relatives received as immigrants.
Basket supplies will include:
- basic tools (i.e., hammers, screwdrivers)
- kitchen pots and pans
- dishes
- silverware
- bath towels
- cleaning products
- simple art for walls
Collection bins will be set up in the temple rotunda, and 2 drop off mornings will take place when Sunday school is in session. Becker and Helfman students will decorate the baskets and all congregants are invited to purchase needed items, as well as assemble and deliver the finished baskets.
Coinciding with Sukkot on Sunset, Sunday, October 9, will be the kick-off and first drop-off & sorting day. Congregants are invited to drive to the west/main entrance of the temple, and hand items to the committee members standing by in the rotunda. Sorting days will continue on each Sunday in October and November. Two bins will also be available in the rotunda for donations. All deliveries will be completed by December 18.
Help through Amazon & Target
Links have been set up with Amazon and Target to simplify the ordering process, with items delivered directly to Emanu El. Click the link below to help through Amazon.
Click here to contribute through Amazon.
Click here to contribute through Target.
Donate through Emanu El
Donations may be given for purchasing items by check, made out to Congregation Emanu El Sisterhood, with a notation for “Welcome Baskets,” and sent to the Sisterhood office.
Donations toward this effort may also be given online by clicking here.
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of the process. This is a project for every age and stage, and we encourage families, students and all congregants to play a part. To volunteer or for more information, please contact: Sylvia Brody at welcomebasket22@gmail.com.