(Courtesy of Misaskim) This week, the greatest mishloach manot operation took place in a nondescript warehouse in Boro Park. Over 5,000 gourmet meals were delivered across the tri-state area. Hundreds of volunteers took part. Thousands of boxes were filled to the brim. Countless almanos were able to host a lavish Purim seuda in the comfort of their home.

Thanks to the outpouring of support from businesses across our communities, this great vision came to life.

Project Yedid, founded by Misaskim, serves as a continuous beacon of hope to families that have lost a loved one. This Purim, they rounded up the help of dedicated individuals, so that Alamanahs and Yesomim can feel empowered and b’simcha on a Yom Tov that usually leaves them feeling helpless and alone.

Suppliers, such as Fineline Settings and Paperrific, readily offered their wares. Aperion Caterers, Table One, Sueda and Glatt Gourmet arranged the catered food. And thousands of baked goods were provided by Gelbstein’s, Stern’s, Shloimy’s, Issac’s, Beigel’s and Strauss.

The mass display of achdus was truly one of a kind.

Picking Up the Tab

As Purim preps around the world were just starting to happen, Project Yedid mailed out customized menu cards to every family. The menus included a variety of gourmet options to choose from, and were uniquely customized with the hashgachas and minhagim of every community.

Purim Feast to Go

As Purim drew near, the Project Yedid Headquarters became a beehive of activity as hundreds of volunteers gathered to help. Appetizers, mains, dips and sides were neatly packaged according to each family’s taste. Drinks, party goods and pastries were placed in every box.

On the day before Taanit Esther, hundreds of trucks and cars were loaded up. From Five Towns, Crown Heights, Boro Park, Flatbush and Williamsburg, to Passaic, Teaneck, Clifton, West Orange and Lakewood, and Monsey, New Square and Monroe, families in every neighborhood received their Purim seudot. In total, more than 5,000 meals were hand delivered!

As lavish tables were spread, and smiles and laughter filled their homes with light, families everywhere could truly celebrate Purim as one. The unified effort showed that through the generosity, kindness and support of Klal Yisrael, we can ultimately return the joy of Purim to everyone’s heart.