‘Tis the season to give thanks and to give back but for the Jewish Relief Agency, helping out those in need is more than a seasonal event. Staffed with more than 15,000 volunteers per year, the Philadelphia JRA serves more than 3,000 low income households each month.
The semi-annual JRA clothing sale is held at the agency’s warehouse on Dutton Road in the Northeast.
Amy Krulik has served as Executive Director of JRA for seven years.
“People who are in need don’t always want a handout,” Krulik explained. “Even if you paid a dollar for a winter coat, it means more to you than if somebody gave it to you for free.”
Northeast resident of 30 years, Michael Papalini has experienced the benefits of JRA himself.
“I actually pick up food boxes from them, so I figure this is my way of giving back. You know, buying some clothes and giving back to the organization,” Papalini said.
For Krulik, her inspiration comes from the shocking realities low-income families face.
“We know that the food we donate each month could mean the difference, for some people, between having enough to eat and having to go without,” she said.
More than $4,000 were raised from this month’s clothing sale. The next sale will be held in March.
For more information, visit the Jewish Relief Agency website.
Be the first to comment