SEE BELOW

in order to find out how our Larchmont Temple families can help Katrina families in need of basic household essentials….

THE AFTERMATH OF KATRINA

The challenge for Hurricane Katrina families to re-build their lives remains enormous. More than 100,000 people are still displaced in the South, no longer qualify for Federal and/or State help and depend today entirely on the generosity of charitable organizations and private donors.

This is where the mitzvah of “Family-to-Family” comes in. This initiative was created and specially structured to help these families. The concept is a simple one: your family can become a sponsor family helping a displaced Katrina family.

WHAT IS “FAMILY-TO-FAMILY”?

Family-to-Familyis a tax exempt nonprofit charitable organization created years ago by Pam Koner in Hastings-on-Hudson. Its initial goal was to bridge the gap between affluent families and families in need in Westchester. This organization has grown over the years into a network of 800 sponsor families supporting today needy families in many states including those affected by Katrina.

Family-to-Family continuously receives lists of families in need from various government agencies, shelters and social service agencies working throughout the Gulf region. Family-to-Family extensively checks each family being referred to them before accepting to help them and subsequently, putting them in touch with sponsor families.

Family-to-Family and Pam Koner were named “Best of America” by the editors of “Reader’s Digest” magazine for the magazine’s “America’s 100 Best” May 2005 issue which named the 100 best people, organizations, ideas, places, etc. found in America in 2005.

For more information on Family-to-Family and this program, please visit their Website www.Family-to-Family.org.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

A sponsor family is given the option to:

(a) directly assist a family in need by providing them either with store cards and/or with specific food and non-food items they have requested or

(b) Indirectly assist a family by providing money to the Family-to-Family organization.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Once you have informed us that you want to participate in the Family-to-Family program and have decided whether you want to participate directly or indirectly in this great mitzvah, you will be presented with a list of families to choose from. Once your choice and type of assistance are acknowledged by the Family-to-Family organization, you will be on your way and your involvement with the family of your choice will commence. Your donations generally amount to $500 per family spread over a period of time corresponding with the needs of the family being helped but usually not exceeding 6 months.

Please note that the opportunity to co-sponsor a family in need by joining forces with another person or family is acceptable and encouraged!

All donations to Family-to-Family are tax-deductible.

When you are ready to apply for this great mitzvah or if you need more information, please contact:

Jack Blumenfrucht at yablum@aol.com