Shuls urged to ‘light up a child’s face’ this winter by donating toys

The United Synagogue has called for volunteers to “light up a child’s face” over winter, with toys being donated across synagogues in one of several initiatives.

Michelle Minsky, who heads the US’s Chesed department, said the toy-drive was running alongside efforts to cook food for the vulnerable.

“If you’re lucky enough to be off work and school over the winter break then the festive period is a great time to do some volunteering,” she said. “Help us improve the lives of vulnerable people in the community and say thank you to the wonderful people who work in hospices supporting our loved ones day in, day out.”

Those behind the toy-drive for vulnerable children asked Jewish families for any gently-used toys no longer wanted, with teddies and dolls also welcome, while elsewhere volunteers were asked to support Tikkun’s ‘Light up a Life’ programme, taking boxes of chocolates to staff at hospitals, hospices and day centres to thank them for all their hard work throughout the year.

The US said it was working with the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) to coordinate resources and urged anyone wishing to give a few hours to contact Orah Barnett in the US Chesed department on 020 8343 6238 or e-mail obarnett@theus.org.uk