Woodbury-based Makom NY, an organization offering Jewish learning and culture, recently welcomed more than 100 community members who participated in a unique project to feed the hungry.
Facilitated by Stop Hunger Now (stophungernow.org) and with corporate sponsorship by Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance, both adults and children worked together to package and vacuum seal bags with non-perishable ingredients. In only two hours, the volunteers had packaged nearly 10,000 meals—an astounding accomplishment by any standard.
“The mitzvah (commandment) of feeding the hungry is particularly poignant [during the holidays],” said Rabbi Deborah Bravo. “For far too many people around the globe, this is not a choice. We are grateful for this opportunity to help others.”
Representatives from Stop Hunger Now said that these meals were likely headed to Haiti, which is still recovering from a devastating hurricane.
“I remember the devastation that Hurricane Sandy brought to Long Island, but at the end of the day most of us had houses to come home to and pantries full of food,” said Makom NY chairperson Michelle Schneider. “What they are dealing with in Haiti right now is unimaginable.”
Amy Wynne, who participated in the project with her daughters, said, “it is so special to be able to perform the mitzvah of feeding the hungry.”
For more information about Makom NY, visit www.makomny.org.
—Sherry Gutes
