HOLMDEL – In response to Hurricane Sandy and the winter storm that followed, the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County and a number of Jewish agencies, organizations, congregations and chabads are helping provide relief for those in need.
“In helping people connect with their friends and neighbors, and providing financial support to synagogue, social service agency, youth group, and other efforts underway, Federation hopes to bring as much help and humanity to this difficult time as we can,” said Keith Krivitzky, the federation’s executive director. “We encourage anyone in need of help, as well as those who can offer help, to access hurricane relief information and resources at the places listed below.”
Among the efforts that federation and the Jewish community are conducting are:
Jewish Family & Children’s Service is increasing availability of its Kosher Meals on Wheels program for anyone age 60 and older who may have financial difficulties, limited access to food shopping, difficulties preparing meals, or other issues with mobility at this time. Those in need may call Joanne Glasoff at 732-774-6886, Ext 40.
Sabbath goodie boxes will also be made available to synagogues to share with members of their respective communities. Synagogue representatives should contact Ariella Raviv at AriellaR@JewishMonmouth.org to request goodie boxes.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service is making mental health counseling available at significantly reduced and sliding scale fees to adults, adolescents, children, or seniors experiencing additional stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties from the storm and its aftermath. Counseling will be provided by licensed social workers and mental health professionals at the agency’s Eatontown, Asbury Park and Morganville locations. Children’s counseling includes play therapy. In-home visits are available for the elderly and others unable to leave their homes.
Emergency financial support is available through Jewish Family & Children’s Service. Grants up to $500 and interest-free loans up to $3,000 through the Hebrew Free Loan Society are available to help those suffering financial hardships from the storms, from being out of work, or other challenging circumstances.
To inquire about grants and loans, please call Jewish Family & Children’s Service at 732-774-6886.
Monmouth Reform Temple of Tinton Falls is organizing a gift card drive to benefit people from Sea Bright and neighboring towns. The temple is asking that other congregations and community organizations organize similar drives to maximize impact. The gift card drive will run through Jan. 1. Gift cards from Target, Kmart, Home Depot, and Lowes are preferred in any increment of $25 (i.e. $25, $50, $75, $100, etc.), and must be clearly labeled with their dollar value to ensure equitable distribution.
Cards may be mailed to: Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave., Tinton Falls, NJ 07724. Additional information is available by emailing seabrightgiftcards@gmail.com.
Individuals are also invited to make donations by check directly to the Monmouth Reform Temple’s gift card drive with the cards being purchased with the funds. Checks should be made payable to Monmouth Reform Temple with “Sea Bright Gift Card Drive” noted in the memo.
Anyone wishing to make a financial donation to Jewish Federation of Monmouth County to support these and other storm relief efforts may do so by sending a check payable to Jewish Federation. Please be sure to write “Sandy Relief” in the memo section of the check. The mailing address is Jewish Federation of Monmouth County, 960 Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733.
The mission of Jewish Federation of Monmouth County centers on the principles of Tikkun Olam, which in Hebrew, means repairing the world; Tzedakah, practicing righteous acts; and Gemilut Chasadim, encouraging acts of loving kindness. The organization carries out this mission through financial and other support of many groups throughout the community.
Additional information is available by calling the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County at 732-866-4300.
