Purim Cards that Make a Difference
Looking for a double-whammy mitzvah? How about sending mishlach manot cards whose proceeds help care for sick children or feed the hungry in Israel? [read on...]
Celebrate Purim by sharing these cards with friends and family AND by spreading the joy so much further with your charitable donation.
Chai Lifeline (www.chailifeline.org) is an amazing organizingation that runs programs that address the emotional, social, and financial needs of seriously ill children, their families, and communities. They help restore normalcy to family life, and better enable families to withstand the crises and challenges of serious pediatric illness. For a suggested minimum donation of $20, you can purchase a package of ten mishloach manot cards to send out to friends and family. You can also send a free e-card if you're short on time! (click here for card information)
Table to Table (www.tabletotable.org) is another incredible organization. Based in Israel, they rescue excess, unserved food that would otherwise be destroyed from catered events, bakeries, army bases, perishable food manufacturers, farmers and packinghouses, and then transport the food to non-profit organizations throughout Israel serving people in need. You can extend your "Happy Purim" wishes in lieu of mishloach manot to friends and family in Israel and abroad by purchasing beautifully printed Purim cards that will be sent to your home, or by requesting that Table to Table send the cards out on your behalf by mail or email. (click here for card information)
(Please note: you may want to double check with your halachic guide about whether you're considered exempt from actually sending physical mishloach manot packages if you send the cards. There will probably be different opinions on this point, so please find out what works for you.)
And if you'd like to spread the cheer beyond the Jewish community, consider sending a free postcard to US troops overseas. Whatever your feelings about US choices, I believe we can all support the men and women risking their lives each day. Just click on www.letssaythanks.com to write your message, and a printed card will be mailed to US personnel stationed overseas. (This one doesn't count as mishloach manot, though!)