HIHI Update – by Paula Klein
As we wrap up another season of HIHI, the Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative, it’s always satisfying to thank all of our dedicated volunteers for their generosity and support. Without them, there would be no meals and no caring concern for our homeless neighbors. This year is no exception.
On seven Wednesdays from December through March, nine TBE families stepped up to provide twenty-four full dinners – all prepared with love and kindness – and then delivered them to the men staying at a local motel. The chef list included: the Albert, Israeli-Lippman, Katzman, Kurtzman, LaCorte, Nace, Polese, Radgowski and Schindel families.
And there’s always lots more taking place behind the scenes. Sue Seiler and the Project HOPE chefs generously prepared and packed extra meals for HIHI several times this season. Randee Epstein stood quietly, ready to jump in whenever needed, including buying fruit and goodies, packing, and delivering meals all winter. Carol Werblin was available – even remotely – to supply clothing, toiletries and other needed items. Our dedicated partners – Karen at Huntington Jewish Center, and Lori at East Northport Jewish Center, and their awesome volunteers – also proved that “many hands make light work.”
Over the years, friendships have been formed and renewed as part of the HIHI effort. We have seen many TBE families and members happily participate in this program and other Social Action events. We’ve seen little helpers become teenage volunteers, and families and individuals work together to help others. One of our long-time volunteers and good friend, Dianne Slavin (z”l), will be sorely missed. Dianne calmly served Thanksgiving dinners, made phone calls, drove guests, helped set up boutiques, and was always on-call for HIHI. Her steadfast presence was a blessing to us all.
I am grateful for our community efforts toward tikkun olam. Wishing you a healthy and happy summer.
Mother’s Day Baskets – by Carol Werblin
Social Action assembled 58 Mother’s Day Baskets that were distributed to mothers living in local shelters. We donated 37 baskets to 3 different Family Service League sites, and 21 baskets to four different Haven House sites. In addition, we were able to provide 30 gifts to moms residing in a shelter in West Babylon. We had so many wonderful people and organizations supporting this effort and we could not have accomplished this without their help. Special thanks go to Maria Ryan from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, who continuously supports our efforts, Sherri and Floyd Goldman who provide us with nearly 100 wonderful reed diffusers every year, Estée Lauder for their donation of makeup, the Rotary Club of Huntington, Broadhollow Dentistry and our very own Temple Beth El partners. Thanks to everyone who helped to make a difference to so many moms, you gave them a very special Mother’s Day!