Melissa Mayersdorf, a Sunday school teacher at Temple Sholom in Pompano Beach is coordinating for the second year the Hanukkah Tzedaka (Charity) Art Contest, a program meant to brighten up Hanukkah celebrations for the children at JAFCO, a Jewish Adoption & Foster Care Option in Sunrise.
Students at the Temple’s Sunday school create works of art such as the Star of David using paper money and coins. The artwork is then donated to JAFCO for Hanukkah.
"We’re encouraging them to open up their pocket books for charity, in a fun way," Mayersdorf said.
Last year, the students raised about $200, and at the beginning of the school year, it didn’t take long for the students to take a special interest in the project.
"The first thing they asked me about was the charity contest," Mayersdorf said.
Mayersdorf started the program after hearing JAFCO was in need of toiletry donations and with Hanukkah around the corner, she said she wanted children to celebrate the holiday as well.
"They understand the concept of charity and are thrilled to present the artwork [to JAFCO]," Mayersdorf said.
This year, Mayersdorf expects about 15 to 20 entries and said they are already on the way to exceeding last year’s total. The children will present their creative artwork to JAFCO with a special ceremony at 10 a.m. Dec. 21 at Temple Sholom, 132 SE 11th Ave.
"The donations of artwork give the students more pride than just presenting a check," she said.
JAFCO will use the funds to purchase Hanukkah gifts and clothing for children at the nonprofit facility, said Lauri Dworkin-Bellan, a volunteer for JAFCO.
"I think it’s very important these kids get involved in charity programs," Dworkin-Bellan said. "It’s part of the philosophy of Judaism."
With the success of the project, Mayersdorf plans to make the artwork donations a yearly event.
"We’re definitely going to make it bigger and better each year," she said.
For more information about the artwork, call 954-942-6410. For more information about JAFCO, visit www.JAFCO.org.