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 continue our 23-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, “The box is a blessing for us every year.” 

Thanksgiving Food Boxes

On Sunday, November 19, JFCS provided Thanksgiving meals for families in need – nearly 200 boxes, which means a holiday meal for hundreds of families and individuals throughout greater Portland. We partnered with community organizations to help us collect food items, packed all the food boxes so the families can feast on a delicious, nutritious dinner, complete with traditional provisions from turkey to pie. Clients also received a gift card so families could add their own favorites to their holiday meal. Volunteers packed and delivered the boxes – brimming with a turkey, chicken broth, stuffing, potatoes, yams, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie – to those in need.

THANK YOU, everyone who participated Sunday, Nov 19th’s Thanksgiving Food Box packing and delivery! Nearly 200 boxes of Thanksgiving meal fixings helped feed hundreds individuals throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. This year’s partners include 5 synagogues, 5 Jewish communal organizations, 4 grocery stores and 3 retail outlets, as well as volunteers of all ages.

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 the week of November 20, in advance of Hanukkah (beginning at sundown on December 7) 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 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 $1000 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

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers who helped us on November 19th!

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.

Eastside Jewish Commons
Mittleman Jewish Community Center
Portland Jewish Academy