40th annual clothing, toys and food drive.

HOD Lodge Galil to volunteer between

2 pm - 6 pm taking donations from people’s cars and putting them in the 18-wheeler container or handing out 2023 tax receipts for the donations.

This is after the Gravestone Marker Project unveiling that starts at 12 noon at the Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery. Brethren might be able to park at the JCC,  then car pool to & from the unveiling and return to volunteer at the JCC afterwards.

* * *

The 40th annual clothing, toys and food drive benefiting Star of Hope mission will have a collection site at the JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd.,

The J,  B’nai B’rith and Temple Sinai Brotherhood are sponsors. For eligible items, see “Star of Hope Mission Annual Holiday Drive” article in JHV copied below:

Questions: call Edward Gardner, 713-942-1040.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Star of Hope Mission Annual Holiday Drive gears up Dec.3

Shelly and Ed Gardner

A friend in need is a friend in ‘deed’

For many people, the holidays mean family, friends, religious traditions and celebrations and good food and gifts. This time of year, it’s often a different story for individuals and families who are unhoused and living in a shelter. Their holidays can be a difficult, disappointing and sad time.

On Sunday, Dec. 3, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Jewish community can help make holidays happier for people in need by donating items to the 40th Annual Holiday Drive, benefiting the Star of Hope Mission. The collection site will be at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd. The J, along with B’nai B’rith and Temple Sinai Brotherhood, are event sponsors.

Former Meyerland resident Ed Gardner, CPA, started this drive 39 years ago.

“Generous donations throughout the years have helped more than 383,000 fellow Houstonians, and I hope we can help more than 20,000 people this year. Please clean out your closets, gather nonperishable food and gently used linens and buy a new toy or two to contribute,” said Gardner.

Star of Hope residents who are working to get back on their feet also need gently used clothes for interviews and work. Families moving out of the shelter to a new home need children’s and adults’ clothes, packaged toiletries, sheets, blankets and towels.

Gardner requests all items be clean and in good condition. He provides receipts onsite for those who would like tax deductions for their donations.

If you have more time than things to donate, you still can help. Gardner welcomes volunteers to work two-hour shifts, taking donations from people’s cars and putting them in the 18-wheeler. Call him at 713-942-1040.

The following items are recommended for people living in a shelter or moving out of a shelter into their own homes. Also included are items that cannot be accepted.

• Clothing: Gently used or new that are clean, no stains or tears – men, women and children’s; also winter coats, sweaters, jackets, etc.

• Shoes: Clean, gently used or new

• New-only undergarments: Men, women, children. Bras and panties, men’s boxer shorts, socks and T-shirts

• New-only unopened hygiene products: shampoo, deodorant, lotion, soap; toothpaste, toothbrushes; toilet paper; feminine napkins; cotton balls and facial tissue; diapers, pull-ups and wet wipes

• Bibles and educational books

• Paper goods: plates, bowls, napkins, forks, spoons and knives

• Linens: Clean, gently used or new sheets and pillowcases; bath towels and wash cloths

• New-only blankets; no bedspreads

• Food: Bottled water, canned goods (regular and bulk sizes); unexpired, unopened nonperishable foods

• Over-the-counter unopened medications

• New-only toys and games (no bicycles)

• Alarm clocks

To ensure the health and safety of shelter residents, and due to limited shelter storage space, the following items will not be accepted:

• Used undergarments

• Used toys: stuffed animals, dolls, toy trucks, etc. No bikes.

• Partially used hygiene products

• Open, “broken seal” medical products

• Pots, pans, dishes, silverware, etc.

• Mattresses, box springs, headboards, bed frames, etc.

• Computers, printers and peripheral
equipment

• Telephones, fax and copy machines, etc.

• Paint, charcoal, matches and other flammables

• Residential or office furniture
and appliances

• TVs, radios, microwaves, toaster
ovens, etc.

• Seasonal holiday decorations

• Damaged, broken or inoperable items

**********************************