18th Annual Christmas Hamper Giveaway

Every year, there’s a moment when our community comes together in a way that reminds us what the Christmas season is truly about. This year, that moment came early—and it came beautifully.

Over the last month, our Friends Church community rallied together to support 18 families in our city who are navigating an exceptionally difficult season. What started as a simple list of needs and wants on November 9th grew into a powerful movement of compassion, generosity, and hope.

And because of you, 18 completely custom-tailored Christmas Hampers—overflowing with thoughtful gifts, essential food items, and hand-selected treats—made their way into homes before Christmas.

A Community That Showed Up—Big

From the moment the needs list was released, our community stepped up. Dozens of you registered online to sponsor individuals. Others visited the Christmas Tree display in the Temple lobby each Sunday to pick up tags and commit to buying something special for someone you’d never met.

You purchased gifts with care. You donated gift cards and groceries. You covered gaps by donating funds so nothing was missed. You rallied your kids, your friends, your circles, your teams.

And on December 7th, the Social Hall at Temple B’nai Tikvah lit up with laughter, wrapping paper, tape dispensers, and the unmistakable feeling of joy that comes from doing something meaningful—together.

The Wrapping Event: Organized Chaos at Its Best

What a day. People of all ages came out to turn stacks of unwrapped gifts into beautifully prepared hampers. Tables piled high with donations transformed into bundles of hope designed for each individual—every box labeled, sorted, wrapped, and packed with love.

The Impact

Because of your generosity:

• 18 families will experience a Christmas they didn’t think was possible this year.

• 75 Children and adults alike will unwrap gifts chosen especially for them.

• Homes will be stocked with essential food items and gift cards for groceries and household needs.

• Parents will feel seen. Kids will feel cherished. And families who have been under immense strain will feel supported by a community that cares.

These hampers are more than gifts—they are reminders that none of us are alone.

Thank You

To every sponsor, donor, shopper, wrapper, organizer, and behind-the-scenes helper:
Thank you.
Your kindness made this project not only possible—but beautiful.

As we step into the Christmas season, may we continue to Take Water to our world. This is what community looks like. This is what love in action feels like.

And this is why we do what we do.