From Generation to Generation:
A Family Tradition of Giving Back
For the Gorin family, JFCS’s Thanksgiving Food Box program is more than a volunteer shift — it’s a cherished family tradition.
For over a decade, Carolyn Gorin, her partner Sam Gottlieb, Carolyn’s three grandsons, and her eldest granddaughter have all shown up year after year to help ensure their neighbors can celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity. Jackson (19) has been volunteering since he was 8, and twins Max and Leo (16) and Tahlia (16) have joined in regularly since they were 9. While Tahlia couldn’t make it this year, she plans to be back next Thanksgiving and Carolyn is confident that her granddaughter Emerson (4) will join them one day, too! It is truly a family affair!
As he assembled boxes this year, Jackson shared why he makes it a priority to be there:
“I told my bubbe, please tell me when it’s happening again this year. It’s always a privilege to be here. It’s important to me to help the community — especially this year with the reduction of SNAP benefits. If I can come make boxes and pack food, it’s worth it. And it’s great to be with family and volunteer together to make a difference.”
For Carolyn, watching her grandchildren take part is deeply meaningful:
“It’s the best, and I’m so proud of them. We are lucky in our lives and so happy to give back. Sam and I love it. We look forward to this every year and to the spirit of people giving of themselves.”
Sam adds that showing up in person matters:
“It’s one thing to write a check, but when you actually show up to help — with a physical presence in a group setting — it is so rewarding.”
This year, thanks to volunteers like the Gorin family, JFCS provided Thanksgiving food boxes to 160 families and gift cards to 40 more — helping more than 600 people across our community.
JFCS is profoundly grateful to all our volunteers — and especially to families who serve together, modeling tikkun olam for the next generation. Together, we are working to repair the world one food box at a time.
