Temple Beth El, 333 SW Fourth Ave., has been working hand-in-hand with a dozen area nonprofits to bring some holiday cheer to hundreds of disadvantaged Boca residents. The temple’s "Giving Tree" initiative is part of its Social Action Committee, and co-chairwoman Myra Singer said the campaign has grown by leaps and bounds. “It has grown from helping one family to now helping scores of children, seniors and families who may otherwise have gone without this holiday season,” she said.
They began compiling wish lists in early September, and Christmas Eve was the culmination of the massive effort.
“Today we are delivering to Boca Islands and Dixie Manor, and we have both food and gift trucks,” said co-chairwoman Leslie Steinberg.
Boca resident Steve Bentz was volunteering at the staging location, the Wayne Barton Study Center, and said he gets goose bumps just thinking about the impact.
“It is an indescribable feeling when we deliver the goods and see their faces. There are usually tears of joy, and there really are no words to describe how gratifying the entire process is,” he said.