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Clothing
Donation Program
by Esfir Gostomelsky
8/15/99
The
clothing donation program was started in 1990 by Vida Barron who
was the coordinator of the Resettlement Program at that time. She
supported and helped to develop the program. She advertised for
donations because she understood the needs of the people who came
with only some suitcases, who left everything in their former homeland.
She arranged a room first in the synagogue Beth David, then in the
synagogue Beth Israel. It was arranged as a store. She offered me
to help her and to take care of it.
Generous volunteers
from the new American community helped to receive the donated clothing
and to set-up the store. A special thanks to Harriet and Joel Deutsch
who gave so much time to the newcomers. Generous members of the
community donated clothing in good condition, cleaned and pressed.
Every new refugee
is informed about this program. They come and receive clothes with
pleasure. There is no cost. It is a convenient location. They are
greeted and served by people who can speak Russian. It is a great
help. Many of them have gone to their first interview wearing a
nice suit or dress. The school children receive new clothes and
many have attended their first day at school wearing nice clothes
from the program. The Russian people are very grateful.
If any items
are not used promptly, we give them to the Salvation Army. We make
sure that nothing is wasted; and we help our neighbors.
When I was offered
to help this program, I agreed because I understood the needs of
the people. I and my helpers, Josef Shulman and Izrael Gorohovsky,
try to do our best to help people. We understand the importance
of it and appreciate that volunteering is the heart of community.
We see good examples of kindness and understanding from the American
friends, Harriet and Joel Deutsch.
We receive clothing
at Beth Israel Synagogue on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 12:00. If you
cannot come at 10:00 to 12:00 we can arrange an appointment over
the telephone. You can receive acknowledgement of your donation
from the Resettlement Program, 236-0506. Dear friends, we are waiting
for you. Your contribution is very appreciated.
The opportunity
to help people is an important part of my life. I enjoy to meet
and to help people and I am proud of my accomplishment.
by
Esfir Gostomelsky, volunteer coordinator
of the clothing donation program
8/15/99
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