Thank You!

Showing their appreciation during "Member Appreciation Week," are, left to right, Shira Hurwitz, Halle Schwartz, and Naomi Friedman. Naomi and Halle baked cakes to serve to members, and also to highlight the JCC's birthday party planning service.

JCC is Drop-Off Site for Emergency Hunger Relief

The JCC is one of several Jewish organizations throughout the city currently accepting non-perishable food items to help restock the shelves at regional food banks, local pantries and soup kitchens in the wake of windstorms that were remnants of Hurricane Ike. Non-perishable food items being accepted include peanut butter, baby formula, canned goods, pasta, tuna and other food staples.

"Without electricity needed to keep refrigerators and freezers operating, Central Ohioans were forced to throw away spoiling food. For too many Ohioans, this meant throwing away food without any idea of how they could replenish it," said Dr. June Gutterman, vice president of Community Relations at the Columbus Jewish Federation.

"At a time when these people now are turning to our soup kitchens and food pantries, many food pantries remain closed due to power outages and many were forced to throw away spoiled food themselves. Those that have been able to re-open are experiencing long lines and rapidly dwindling inventories," she said. "As a result, the Columbus Jewish Federation is asking you to join with us for a community wide emergency food drive."

In addition to the JCC's main campus at 1125 College Ave., non-perishable food items also may be dropped off at the JCC North Preschool, 1985 Swansford Dr., Dublin, and the JCC New Albany Preschool at 79 N. High St., New Albany.

Other Jewish organizations accepting donations include the Federation, Columbus Torah Academy, Columbus Jewish Day School, and all eight of the city's synagogues. For more information, contact the JCC at (614) 231-2731 or Dr. Gutterman at (614) 237-7686.