JFCS volunteers delivering Seder Sacks to the needy

In San Francisco, eighth-graders from Brandeis Hillel Day School are packaging more than 400 Seder Sacks for distribution to isolated elderly and to people with AIDS or disabilities.

"It's important for our students to see themselves as part of the larger Jewish community, and helping people one at a time is a sure way for the students to do that," says Chaim Heller, head of campus at Brandeis Hillel Day School in San Francisco.

The assembled packages, complete with matzah, gefilte fish, horseradish, grape juice, holiday candy and a Haggadah, will be delivered by volunteers from Congregation Sherith Israel's Simcha young adult group and interfaith couples from Congregation Emanu-El, both in San Francisco.

North and South Peninsula volunteers are coordinating a communitywide campaign to collect, package and distribute Passover Seder Sacks for nearly 500 people. This year families from the North Peninsula Jewish Community Day School will be delivering Seder Sacks to homebound seniors. In addition, the Women's Alliance-South Peninsula Section of the Jewish Community Federation is organizing the delivery of Seder Sacks to 100 frail, elderly residents of Lytton Gardens, many of whom are emigres from the former Soviet Union.

In Marin, more than 100 volunteers from local synagogues and community organizations will visit seniors at 22 congregant living facilities, bringing Seder Sacks and holiday greetings to residents. In addition, kosher-for-Passover foods will be distributed to low-income families.

JFCS will be reaching out to more than 1,200 people. To help, bring donations of packaged, kosher-for-Passover foods (matzah, gefilte fish, horseradish, grape juice, macaroons or candies) to the JFCS office in your area: 1600 Scott Street in San Francisco; 1330 Lincoln Avenue or 200 North San Pedro Road in San Rafael; 320 College Avenue in Santa Rosa; 490 El Camino Real in Belmont; and 480 California Avenue in Palo Alto.

To donate funds for food vouchers for low-income families, make your check payable to the JFCS Passover Drive and mail it to 1600 Scott Street, S.F., CA 94115.

To invite an emigre family to your Passover celebration, call Stephanie Kipperman at JFCS, (415) 202-7465.