If you don't already know about the "Birthday
Bank", it is a wonderful opportunity to teach
your children about giving. The way it works is that you ask your child to
choose one (unwrapped, new/unopened) gift to share with a Beyond Shelter child
(who otherwise probably wouldn't receive any gifts at all). You can drop
them off in the clergy's office. It will be noted and your child will be
recognized with an announcement and a certificate at their next weekly Shabbat
service. The children beam with pride. When the gift closet is full, we call
Beyond Shelter and arrange a pickup. They sort the gifts amongst the families
and we begin immediately working to refill the gift closet again and again,
even during summer. We welcome and encourage older and younger siblings to
participate as well. It is a beautiful thing to do. If your older children
graduated from Isaiah they can continue the tradition of giving and feel the
pleasure of making a difference.

Beyond
Shelter especially looks forward to receiving gifts from our BIRTHDAY BANK
collection at the HOLIDAYS. And, if there are any holiday gifts that your
children want to donate, the Birthday Bank is an excellent way to ensure that
they will be delivered to children in need, while at the same time presenting an
opportunity for your children to experience giving at the holidays! For
more details, look for the cupcake posted on your classroom bulletin board or
please feel free to ask or email any questions
to Allison Revivo at alirevivo@gmail.com