Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago, a nonprofit organization housed in Lincolnwood, will provide around 12,000 Jewish families the food and supplies needed to celebrate Rosh Hashanah on Aug. 30, the organization says.
More than 150,000 pounds of food will be packed and delivered by nearly 1,500 volunteers over a two-day period. Packing of non-perishable foods will take place on Aug. 23 at a warehouse located in Northbrook, according to Executive Director Joellyn Oliff. Perishable foods will be boxed on Aug. 30 to ensure items are delivered as fresh as possible.
Maot Chitim, refers to the old custom of “providing the poor with matzo and other items for the observation of Pesach,” the organization’s website states. Since its inception in 1908, the nonprofit has evolved by hand-delivering packed boxes filled with kosher items, fruits, vegetables and other necessities to a number of Jewish families.
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On the day of delivery, volunteers are encouraged to refrain from referring to the box as charity or a donation; instead, they are instructed to refer to it as “your Yom Tov order.” Receipt of payment is traditionally met with a cup of tea, cookies or other small tokens of thanks.
While most of the food is purchased through the organization, private donations from over 5,000 donors helps with ensuring no home is left empty of the holiday spirit.
“We deliver to anybody who is in need of food that wants to celebrate the Jewish holiday,” Oliff noted in reference to the history of Maot Chitim.
Oliff said a grant back in 1997 allotted them to extend the holiday giving to Rosh Hashahah, after what mainly began as a Passover tradition.
There are restrictions, however. The mission statement alludes to only assisting those in the Jewish community by providing the tools necessary for these celebrations. Those who practice other religions looking for food assistance will be referred to other organizations, Oliff said.
She added that those looking to help “don’t have to be Jewish to volunteer.”
“That’s what makes it so unique,” she said. “The beauty of this organization is that we’re transmitting cultural values and people get to see the work we do.”
Those looking to volunteer can call 847-674-3224 or visit the organizations website www.maotchitim.org.