Sharing Hanukkah Joy Through Loving-Kindness 

Every winter, the JFS Hanukkah Hamper Program transforms the holiday season into celebration of chesed (loving-kindness) across our community. What began as a small community initiative has evolved into a cornerstone annual tradition that directly links neighbors together through intentional, anonymous holiday giving. 

Our mission is to ensure that every family experiencing financial strain or hardship can share in the joy and light of the Festival of Lights. 

Who It Supports 

This program provides holiday support and gifts to registered JFS client families who celebrate Hanukkah. Eligibility includes: 

  • Families with children under the age of 18.  
  • Families with adult dependent children (18+) who are living with a physical, cognitive, or developmental disability. 

How the Matching Process Works 

We do not gather generic gift bins. Instead, the program focuses on dignity and deep personalization: 

  1. Thoughtful Pairings: Donor households are intentionally and anonymously matched with a recipient family based on structural criteria like age brackets and household dynamics.
  2. Personalized Profiles: To preserve maximum privacy and safety, no identifying data is shared. However, donors receive a specific profile detailing household clothing sizes, direct needs, and basic interests to help curate a deeply meaningful basket.
  3. A Shared Experience: For many recipient households, these custom hampers represent the only gifts entering their homes during the holiday season. 

Make it a Household Tradition 

The process of packing a hamper is designed to be a profound learning experience for the families doing the giving. We highly encourage donor families to involve their own children in every phase—from brainstorming and picking out items at the store to hand-decorating the delivery boxes and drafting warm, handwritten notes. It is an unforgettable way to bring the values of tzedakah and community responsibility to life. 

Ready to Bring Light to a Neighbor? 

Registration for this year's campaign is now open. Whether you are a long-time participant or organizing a drive for the very first time, your kindness fundamentally changes the holidays for a family right here in our city. 

Hanukkah Hamper Toolkit

Hanukkah Photo with Child 2

Frequently Asked Questions

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