The JFS Food Pantry serves an average of 900 individuals each month. While most visits are focused on providing groceries and hygiene products, it also means many people will be passing through our food pantry during their birthday month.

Wanting to spread a little extra birthday brightness, the teen group Next Dor from Temple Shalom packed 40 “birthday bags” for families visiting the JFS Food Pantry. Each bag is filled with shelf stable cake mix, icing, candles, and a handwritten card– everything needed to make someone’s day feel special.

This thoughtful project is part of their “Social Justice Sundays” program, where the teens come together each month to practice gemilut chasadim or acts of loving kindness.

For the individuals receiving these bags, it may be the only way they are able to celebrate a birthday with their loved ones. Thanks to this group of generous teens, dozens of families will be able to experience their birthdays with a little extra sweetness.

The entire JFS community is so grateful for partners like Temple Shalom whose generosity reminds us that even small gestures can bring big smiles!

If you’re interested in creating birthday bags for the food pantry, or another group volunteer activity, visit our website at www.jfsdallas.org/volunteer or send an email to volunteers@jfsdallas.org to learn how.

If you or a loved one could benefit from the Food Pantry or other JFS services, you can learn more or make an appointment online.