In recent years, more and more people have caught on to the growing trend of sending Purim cards or small packets in lieu of mishloach manot. There are a myriad of charitable organizations that offer these options at a nominal fee. The money benefits the organization, you get to stay off the road, and your kitchen is free of little shopping bags overflowing with fruit roll ups! Purim cards are also an excellent alternative to sending greetings to those who live far away.
There are so many advantages to this approach other than the ones mentioned—most importantly, the tzedakah element. Supporting a worthwhile cause in place of exchanging a variety of snacks can be very rewarding. So this year, do yourself (and your teeth) a favor and consider a card from one of the following non-profit organizations.
Tomchei Shabbos provides food to over 600 individuals in Bergen County. Tomchei Shabbos is selling Purim cards throughout Bergen County at the following locations: Best Glatt, Cedar Market, Chopstix, Food Showcase (Fair Lawn), Garden State Jewelers, Glatt Express, Grand and Essex, Judaica House, Ma’adan Caterers, Menagerie (Englewood), Noah’s Ark/Shelley’s and Poppy’s. For more information call Margi Saks at (201)384-5553 or Keren Nussbaum at (973)747-2731.
Project Ezrah actively assists members of the community who are unemployed, often helping with financial support and job placement. Purim packets are available for purchase at Ezrah.org or call (201)569-9047. Orders must be received by March 7.
SINAI Schools operates schools and adult programs for individuals with a wide range of learning and developmental disabilities as well as other special needs. Sinai is selling colorful Purim cards for $1 each, available online at sinaischools.org or for pickup at Ma’adan Caterers, Best Glatt, Dry Cleaners to Go, Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, Torah Academy of Bergen County and Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls.
Yad Eliezer strives to reduce poverty level in Israeli society by providing very low-income families with programs that not only provide them with crucial short-term relief in the form of basic food necessities, but also with long-term solutions that will help them achieve financial stability. Yad Eliezer is selling Purim cards for $3 a piece, 10 cards for $25, 20 cards for $50 and 50 cards for $108. To purchase cards please visit Yadeliezer.org.
Sharsheret is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. Purim cards come in packages of 12 for $36. Orders may be shipped directly to you until Thursday, March 14. Orders may also be picked up from the Sharsheret office in Teaneck, NJ, 1086 Teaneck Road, Suite 2G from February 19 through March 22.
Chai Lifeline provides programs for seriously ill children to help create as happy and normal a childhood as possible. All services are free of charge to ensure that every family has access to the programs it needs. Chai Lifeline is selling a variety of Purim cards. The cards are available in sets of 10 for $20. Two sets or more will be shipped for free. For purchase please visit chaicards.org.
Yachad is a global organization dedicated to addressing the needs of all Jewish individuals with disabilities and ensuring their inclusion in every aspect of Jewish life. Purim cards are $7 a piece, a five pack for $30, a 10 pack for $50 and 25 cards for $100. To purchase Purim cards, please visit yachad.org/purim.
Project Yechi is an organization that provides financial assistance to pay the rent and mortgages for families who are undergoing cancer treatments. It was founded by Chaim Feigenbaum z”l and is being continued in his memory. To purchase cards, please email [email protected] or [email protected] and let them know how many cards you need; all donations are appreciated.
Lev Lalev charity fund provides orphaned and disadvantaged girls in Israel with a warm, safe and loving home, bringing much-needed joy to their lives. Lev Lalev is selling Purim Cards in packs of 5 for $20, 10 for $38, 25 for $90 and 50 for $175. To purchase cards visit Levlalev.com/purimcards.
By Andrea Nissel
