In advance of the upcoming Chanukah season, Chai Lifeline has announced the launch of their annual toy drive with hopes to distribute over 50,000 gifts to more than 10,000 children around the globe.
As an international network supporting children and families impacted by serious illnesses, crisis, and loss, Chai Lifeline works to ensure that each individual gift meets the specific needs or interests of the child who will receive them.
With each Chai Lifeline region coordinating their own local drive, individuals and families across the U.S. can participate in the annual Chanukah event knowing that their gifts will be going to help families in their area. Toys are purchased and distributed in various ways, including through Chai Lifeline-curated Amazon wish lists, local stores and schools serving as drop off points, as well as families signing up to be “Chanukah Angels” and purchasing the toys for a specific Chai Lifeline family anonymously. For some families, the gifts get delivered to their homes or to hospital rooms, while others will receive their gifts at local Chai Lifeline Chanukah parties or events.
“The holiday season can be particularly challenging for people facing personal or medical crises and even more so for families with sick children,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “Beyond the immense financial burden that confronts these families, they are often not emotionally able to think about gift-giving even when they know their children need it most. Chai Lifeline’s role is to be there for them, as we are throughout the year, and ensure that every member of the family gets the love, support, and attention they need.”
“This is a massive logistical effort because of our commitment to make the gift oriented to each and every child,” explains Chani Traube, volunteer coordinator for the New York region of the Chai Lifeline Honey Engel Toy Drive. “We firmly believe that for the welfare of both the child and their parent it’s not just enough to give but we need to give with caring and consideration for who the child is and what they are going through.”
To find out more about how you can support this year’s drive or get involved visit www.chailifeline.org/toys or email toys@chailifeline.org.
I am interested in sending Chanukah gifts to children in crisis in Israel. Any thoughts?