|
|
| Hatzilu in the News
Temple Beth Torah Runs Walk-A-Thon for Hatzilu
Syosset-Jericho Tribune - June 3, 2011
The sky might have been grey on Su nday, May 22nd, but there were smiles on the faces of the people walking on behalf of Hatzilu Rescue Organization. It was a relaxing stroll at the Cantiague Park, with the primary goal being fundraising for this important organization.
Hatzilu is an all-volunteer organization that remains a major source of aid to the Jewish needy on Long Island. Hatzilu helps to provide food for people who can’t afford to buy their own, saves families from eviction, pays for emergency medical and dental treatments, replaces worn clothing and household items, helps to pay health insurance premiums, and offers caring guidance to those in need. The organization relies almost entirely on donations.
Bobby Schleicher, the Temple Beth Torah Social Action Chairperson, who has been a great supporter of Hatzilu for many years, was the primary force behind the walk-a-thon. It was extremely organized and well run. Volunteers were seated at a table recording names of all the participants. Small bags of trail mix and bottled water were neatly lined up on a table for all the walkers. And, one of Temple Beth Torah’s active members was there to participate and photograph the event as well.
Karen Somers, Hatzilu’s Director of Publicity and Food Acquisition, worked hard to publicize the event and acquire a beautiful parade banner which debuted at this event. Hatzilu is very grateful to many merchants and people in Long Island who made the banner a reality. Store bought parade banners costs hundreds of dollars. Hatzilu cannot incur that expense, since the money we raise goes directly to help the needy. However, we know a parade banner is important to raise awareness for this important organization.
This is why we are so fortunate that we had so much generous assistance on this project. The Fabric Mill in Plainview generously donated the beautiful sunbrella fabric for the banner. Trio hardware and paint in Plainview donated the banner rod. Linda Weiss of Jericho donated hours of time to sew the banner. East Coast Brush Works of Levittown did the beautiful and professional air brushing of the logo and name. In the end, it all came together and the beautiful banner was there to be seen as we marched for Hatzilu.
If you were unable to make it to the walk-a-thon but still would like to make a contribution to Hatilu, you can send your donation to: Hatzilu Rescue Organization, c/o Mid Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview, N.Y. 11803. The need has never been greater than now and the support has never been more important. Please know that you are doing a wonderful thing by helping others.
As Need Grows, Passover Packages On The Rise
by Stewart Ain
Jewish Week - April 18, 2011
Hatzilu's
Executive Director Elissa Friedman was interviewed for an article about
the growing numbers of those needing assistance for Passover food:
The Hatzilu Rescue Organization in Nassau County teams up for Passover food distribution with the Nassau County Shomrim Society, a group of about 200 Jewish law enforcement officers. It distributed bags of Passover food to about 70 families — about 20 more than it helps with its year-round food distribution.
Elissa Friedman, Hatzilu’s executive director, said that although there is generally a steady 10 percent increase in requests for food each year, “in the past two years we’ve been seeing younger families who have been affected by the economic downturn, and as a result there has been a 25 percent increase.”
“We’re seeing people who have taken two jobs that combined don’t pay what they had previously earned,” Friedman said. “Some people have had to change fields because of the poor economy. And there are some people whose own business went under and now have to work for someone else and are not being paid what they were used to. … We’re seeing the financial poor who work but who can’t seem to get out of their financial crisis.”
| |
| Please make a donation to HATZILU so we can provide financial assistance to those in need. We always welcome volunteers. You can deliver food, work at our food warehouse, or to serve on one of our committees. Click here to make a donation or to volunteer: I DO CARE Gifts to HATZILU are Tax Deductible. | |
|