Jewish Community Offers Ways to Help and Get Help Following Hurricane Sandy

Nov. 9, 2012 - PRLog -- November 9, 2012 – Holmdel, NJ – In response to Hurricane Sandy and the winter storm that followed this week, Jewish Federation of Monmouth County (Federation) 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, 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 at this time are:

1.  Jewish Family & Children’s Service is increasing availability of its Kosher Meals on Wheels program for anyone age 60+ 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.  

2.  Federation will conduct a Help Fair at Marlboro Jewish Center from 4-7pm on Thursday, November 15.   During this event, community members can speak to Jewish Family & Children’s Service counselors and other community representatives about what services and information are most helpful in recovering from storms, including emergency grants, meal delivery, counseling, information on insurance and clean-up, and more.

·      Attendees will receive a Sabbath goodie box offering some feel-good items and practical non-perishables.  The care package is intended as a token of warmth amid the challenges of everyday life at this time.

·      Marlboro Jewish Center is located at 103 School Road West, Marlboro, NJ 07746

3.  Sabbath goodie boxes will also be made available to synagogues to share with members of their communities.  Synagogue representatives should contact Ariella Raviv at AriellaR@JewishMonmouth.org to request goodie boxes.

4.  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 is 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.

5.  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.

6.  Monmouth Reform Temple of Tinton Falls, NJ, (MRT) is organizing a gift card drive to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy in Sea Bright, NJ, and neighboring towns.  MRT is asking that other congregations and community organizations organize similar drives to maximize impact. MRT’s gift card drive will run through January 1, 2013.

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.  

Please mail cards to Monmouth Reform Temple - 332 Hance Avenue - Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.  For more information please email: seabrightgiftcards@gmail.com.

Individuals are also invited to make donations by check directly to MRT’s gift card drive;  gift cards will be purchased with the funds.  Checks should be made payable to Monmouth Reform Temple with “Sea Bright Gift Card Drive” noted in the memo.

7. Anyone wishing to make a financial donation to Jewish Federation to support these and other storm relief efforts may do 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.

For more information, call Jewish Federation of Monmouth County at 732- 866-4300.