As we look to the celebrations of Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and more, we know that for many, the celebratory spirit can be hard to come by.

JFCS provides an antidote: We are continuing our 26-year tradition of brightening the season for families and individuals of all ages, including greater Portland’s Holocaust Survivors, experiencing hard times. Our Thanksgiving Food Boxes and Family-to-Family program give hundreds of people who are struggling reasons to celebrate. As one food box recipient shared with us last year:

“What started out as a bleak November, having JFCS’ wonderful Thanksgiving basket delivered to my apartment has turned into a joyous occasion. This volunteer effort has provided me with the opportunity to cook a turkey dinner and invite guests who, like me, would have spent Thanksgiving alone. Thank you!”

Thanksgiving Food Boxes

On Sunday, November 22, JFCS will provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need – 200 boxes – which means a holiday meal for hundreds of families and individuals throughout greater Portland. We are partnering with community organizations to help us collect food items. Then on delivery day, we will pack all the food boxes so the families can feast on a delicious, nutritious dinner, complete with traditional provisions from turkey to pie. Recipients will also receive a gift card so families can add their own favorites to their holiday meal.

Volunteers will pack and deliver the boxes – brimming with a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, yams, cranberry sauce, corn, and pumpkin pie – to those in need.

This crucial program is heavy on both cheer and reliance on volunteers. If you have volunteered for this community program before, please do so again! If this is your first time, we hope you’ll join us!

Stay tuned for the opportunity to sign up to pack and deliver boxes. Sign ups will open in mid-October.

Family-to-Family

One client calls JFCS a “beacon.” While the holidays can be a trying time for many, JFCS wants to provide some light. Family-to-Family is JFCS’ way of doing this. Clients experiencing tough times receive gift cards in advance of the holidays in December, so they can meet their own needs. Gift cards most often go toward the purchase of items like household goods, clothing, and toys for children. Cards will be distributed in advance of Hanukkah and this season’s many festivities.

“Thank you so much for this gift. I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay bills and ensure my children were able to open something at Christmas. I am in tears.”    – Family-to-Family gift-card recipient

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

DONATE

You can help us by making a monetary gift. Your generous donation will be put toward one (or more) of the following:

• JFCS Thanksgiving Food Boxes
• Gift cards to supplement food boxes
• Gift cards for JFCS’ Family-to-Family program

With your generosity:

• $50 provides gift cards for children’s holiday gifts
• $100 feeds a family of 6
• $500 covers the cost of 10 turkeys 

Click here to make your secure donation. Thank you!

SPONSOR these important programs

Sponsor JFCS’ holiday-giving programs at $1,000 or above and JFCS will include your name on event signage and in social media.

Click here to sign up to be a sponsor. Thank you!

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer to pack boxes or deliver the festive holiday meals to those in need. Sign ups will open in mid-October.

This holiday campaign is special, offering a wonderful way to give back to those in need in our community. Thank you for your time, for your help and for caring so much!

Thank you to our Community Partners

Jewish Family & Child Service is so grateful to our community partners that are joining forces to ensure a lovely Thanksgiving feast for as many people as possible.

Maayan Torah Day School
Mittleman Jewish Community Center
Portland Jewish Academy
Safeway
Windemere Foundation