Temple Beth El
333 Southwest 4th Avenue
Boca Raton, FL 33432
561.391.8900
www.tbeboca.com
Target Groups: Multi-Generational Social Action Program, Adults
Program Goals:
The goal of The Giving Tree is to give gifts to the underprivileged of the Boca Raton Community, initially at the holidays, and now year-round, by using a symbolic tree in the Temple lobby to educate the community on the needy that reside in Boca Raton and inspire them to become a participant in The Giving Tree Program. It is a program that takes the invisible injustice of poverty that exists in Boca Raton, makes the congregation aware and lets individuals engage with this program on many levels, from a simple donation, time wrapping presents, being part of the delivery or being one of the many volunteers that volunteer to distribute the leaves on the trees to interested donors after Shabbat services, at special events and any time they walk in the Temple doors.
Length of Time:
This program began on a smaller scale in 1995, but has been officially been called and run as "The Giving Tree" since 2001. It has grown from benefiting a few children in the first years to benefiting over 2,000 children, families and seniors. At this point, we see the program growing and expanding in the future.
Target Population:
The target populations includes "Guardian Ad Lightem" children who have been taken from their homes, "Youth Activity Center," children who are in an after school program for low-income families; "Wayne Barton Center and Dixie Manor" children, a youth program in a low-income neighbourhood in Boca Raton; and senior citizens whose names come from Jewish Family Services. This tear, 2000 people will receive holiday gifts from the giving tree program.
Estimated Budget:
This program involves donated presents from congregants, a corporate donation for the Christmas Eve turkey dinners and publicity within normal means of Temple communication, so there is no budget separate for this program.
Involvement of the Congregation and number of Volunteers:
It is impossible to walk into Temple Beth El without noticing The Giving Tree. Built and donated by a temple member, this plywood tree with paper leaves attracts attention. On the leaves are the first names and ages of members of the Boca Raton community who are in need. When you take down a leaf from the tree and hand it to a volunteer, you receive in return a wish list that has been made by that person. The wish lists are perhaps the most eye-opening thing about the Giving Tree program. The young children have on their list basics like socks or underwear, and simple playthings like a comic book or a basketball. The senior citizens on the tree ask for things like nutritional supplement drinks or basic clothing. Sometimes, though, if someone asks for a big-ticket item, there is always a donor that comes through with scooters, microwaves or DVD players. In addition to congregational involvement in terms of donating the gifts, there are large congregational efforts to sort, wrap, organize and deliver them on Christmas Eve, along with setting up Turkey dinners for the families, purchased with donated corporate money from Office Depot. Those who do not have time or means to shop for presents can make a donation to the Giving Tree. This year, the Christmas Eve delivery will be very special for the congregation because we will all come together for Shabbat services and then deliver presents after services. The delivery night itself involves driving a truck to the delivery site, bringing Turkey dinners, and delivering presents to the organization that then delivers the presents.
Follow-Up and Outcomes:
This year, the Giving Tree has grown both in frequency and in numbers benefited. The year kicked off with backpacks provided to children returning to school, the holiday Giving Tree program continued as in year's past with more families receiving gifts than ever. And now based on requests from the communities benefited, there will be two more drives for summer camp clothing, swimsuits and supplies, and a third drive for back to school supplies. This year, the Giving Tree Holiday Program is benefiting over 2,000 needy people.
The Giving Tree, built and donated by a Temple member, is made of plywood with paper leaves. On each leaf is the first name and age of members in the community who are in need. When someone takes down a leaf they hand it to a volunteer who hands they are handed a wish list that has been made by that person.
In addition to congregational involvement in donating the gifts, there are also efforts to sort, wrap, organize, and deliver them on Christmas Eve, along with setting up Turkey dinners.
The program continues year round providing backpacks to children starting school, the holiday Giving Tree program, and drives for summer camp clothing, swimsuits, and back to school supplies.
Impact on the Community:
As a Jewish community, The Giving Tree serves a very visible and tangible reminder that we have neighbours less fortunate than ourselves and a very real opportunity to take action and to reach through that action. As a community at large, the volunteers on the Giving Tree project work closely with the staff and volunteers of all the agencies whose clients benefit from this program. There is a great amount of trust needed and developed through this program and now year-round needs are communicated to Temple Beth El.
