An update from Rabbi Emily Hyatt
JCRC Representative of Rocky Mountain Rabbis and Cantors

Shalom Friends,

The Jewish Community is again answering the call from our community as our city struggles to meet the needs of newly arrived migrants from South and Central America. Our partners at the Denver Office of Emergency Management, the Denver Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships, and the Mayor’s Office are telling us that assistance is desperately needed.

We know that dozens of migrants are arriving in Denver every day, and unlike the winter influx, at least half of them are families – many with young children.

Together with JEWISHcolorado, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the Rocky Mountain Rabbis and Cantors, and the greater Denver Jewish community, we can help – and so, we will. Please read the following information carefully – and then sign up, show up, bring donations, and join us as we live the Jewish Values of loving the stranger, welcoming the newcomer, feeding the hungry, and refusing to stand by when others are suffering.

The biggest needs are food and hygiene items.

Here’s what you can do to help:

Collect Donations:

Collect needed items within your congregation/organization, among friends, colleagues, and neighbors!

Drop off Donations:

Order Online:

For those who want to virtually order and send their donations, please see this Amazon wish list. These will supplement our donations and ensure we have plenty of items to distribute.

Donate:

Donate to the Rose Community Foundation’s Newcomers Fund. Rose Community Foundation has launched The Newcomers Fund to mobilize the community’s philanthropic interest in supporting the incoming migrant population. Dollars will be directed to Colorado nonprofits providing shelter, food, clothing, medical needs, workforce and employment opportunities, translation and interpretation services, disability accommodations, and more.

Volunteer:

We need help receiving and processing our donations as well as packing and organizing the Nutrition Kits and Hygiene Kits. We know from our experience in the winter that there will be a lot of work to do, but that ALL can help. We’re happy to have elementary school students and up (children under 12 must be supervised by an adult) and the more folks we have, the more help we can give. Sign up here and bring your friends!  If the Signup Genius is full, please email familypromisetempleemanuel@gmail.com. We will do our best to accommodate you!

We know there will be many opportunities to lend a hand in the coming weeks, so please continue to check these emails and the Temple Emanuel website for updates.

For questions or to arrange for drop off/pick up of large organizational donations, please contact Lori Kalata at lorikalata@me.com or 414-630-5698.

With gratitude for this community and your enormous generosity and compassion,