With the holiday season in full swing, a Jewish organization in Forsyth County is spreading joy to sick families in the community.
Chabad of Forsyth County is holding a toy drive through Dec. 26 to benefit families who have a terminally ill family member.
Chabad is asking members of the community to bring unwrapped and unopened gifts to Congregation Beth Israel, located at 600 Peachtree Parkway #110, or to the menorah lighting ceremony that will take place at The Collection at Forsyth on Dec. 26.
“Sadly, families that are going through a terminal illness are dealing with a lot,” said Rabbi Levi Mentz, director of Chabad. “The power of love, of joy, of sharing does a lot for them.”
Mentz said the Chanukah Fund was started a few years back by a Forsyth County mother who lost her son when he was in his early teens.
She went to the rabbi and asked to set up a memorial fund, which has blossomed into the toy drive.
“The drive is so families can [not only] have that moment of feeling good opening the gift, but just knowing there are others out there can help,” Mentz said. “Having a terminal illness is a personal journey, but [showing] them they’re not alone is the motivation behind project.”
The Hanukkah celebration is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26, where a nine-foot menorah will be lit, Mentz said.
The candle lighting will be a first for Forsyth.
For more information on where to donate toys, visit jewishforsyth.org or email office@jewishforsyth.org.